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The Stranger I Married
A reformed rake sets his sights on true love in this steamy Regency romance by the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Butterfly in Frost.
The Marquess of Grayson never felt a twinge of guilt when he stole the beautiful Lady Pelham right out from under his best friend’s nose. After all, they were well matched in all things—their sensual appetites, wicked wits, provocative reputations, and their absolute refusal to ruin their marriage of convenience by falling in love. But then a shocking turn of events sent her roguish husband from her side. Four years later, he has returned a powerful, irresistible man who is determined to seduce his way into her affections. No, this is not at all the man she married. But he is the man who might finally steal her heart...
Praise for The Stranger I Married
“Boldly passionate, scorchingly sexy Regency romance.” —Booklist
“The writing . . . is very smooth and readable and the love scenes very hot and nicely done.” —All About Romance
The Marquess of Grayson never felt a twinge of guilt when he stole the beautiful Lady Pelham right out from under his best friend’s nose. After all, they were well matched in all things—their sensual appetites, wicked wits, provocative reputations, and their absolute refusal to ruin their marriage of convenience by falling in love. But then a shocking turn of events sent her roguish husband from her side. Four years later, he has returned a powerful, irresistible man who is determined to seduce his way into her affections. No, this is not at all the man she married. But he is the man who might finally steal her heart...
Praise for The Stranger I Married
“Boldly passionate, scorchingly sexy Regency romance.” —Booklist
“The writing . . . is very smooth and readable and the love scenes very hot and nicely done.” —All About Romance
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
About the author
Sylvia Day
109 books122k followersSylvia Day is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, #1 Sunday Times, #1 Globe and Mail, #1 Der Spiegel, and #1 international bestselling author of over twenty award-winning novels, including ten New York Times and thirteen USA Today bestsellers. She is a number one bestselling author in twenty-nine countries, with translations in forty-one languages and over twenty million copies of her books in print. Visit the author at sylviaday.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 988 reviews
September 17, 2019
Well Hot Damn, There is Smoke coming off this book!!!
This book gets ******* 5 Angry Sex Stars ******
What a raunchy, beautiful, sexy, love story. Gerald Grayson is "Hot Shit" and he knows it. Married women want to be his mistress, while the single women compete to be his wife. His mother is hounding him to marry but he just wants to be left alone to his own rakish leisure. So Grayson strikes a wedding bargain that will allow him him that freedom. But even a Rake has a heart! And the bigger they are, the harder they fall!!
Isabel Pleham, aka Pel
Pel is a ravishing beauty with a body built for sin. Every man dreams of having her, except for her husband, Grayson. That's because he is in love with another woman!! But Pel has other interests and a long list of options...
I won't give much away other than to say I loved each of these characters. They Sizzle and leave me in a wet puddle anytime they make love. Grayson is a skilled lover and a determined man. He has one of the dirtiest mouths in bed and he can go all night.
And when he isn't screwing his wife into a coma, he's seducing his way into her heart with the sweetest words.
“I pledge my troth to you, my wife. Not for my needs, as I did before, but for yours. You have given me so much—friendship, laughter, acceptance. You have never judged me or chastised. When I did not know who I was, you cared for me anyway. When I make love to you, I am content and I wish for nothing else.”
“Gerard.” His name, spoken in her broken voice, struck deeply.
“Will you let me in?” he implored.
“Why?”
“I want to give all that I am to you..."
OMG, Gerald just makes my heart melt as he seduces and woos his wife. I love books where couples fall in love after they've said, "I do." Both characters had their faults, but I loved that they were always honest with each other and that honesty became the foundation for a wonderful love story.
Sylvia Day's characters are so vivid. I loved the secondary characters and cared about the scenes that didn't involve the main couple. There was a secondary love story that was downright adorable and sexy. I can't recommend this steamy historical enough.
This book gets ******* 5 Angry Sex Stars ******
What a raunchy, beautiful, sexy, love story. Gerald Grayson is "Hot Shit" and he knows it. Married women want to be his mistress, while the single women compete to be his wife. His mother is hounding him to marry but he just wants to be left alone to his own rakish leisure. So Grayson strikes a wedding bargain that will allow him him that freedom. But even a Rake has a heart! And the bigger they are, the harder they fall!!
Growling, he said, “There is a heart and mind attached to the cock you enjoy so well. Altogether they form a man—your spouse. You cannot fragment the whole and take only the pieces you want.”
Isabel Pleham, aka Pel
Pel is a ravishing beauty with a body built for sin. Every man dreams of having her, except for her husband, Grayson. That's because he is in love with another woman!! But Pel has other interests and a long list of options...
“You have no right to accost me like this.”
“I have every right. Did you fuck him?”
"Yes," She turned her head to glare at him. "I fucked him all night. In every way imaginable. I sucked his-" Gray’s mouth took hers so hard she tasted blood. His tongue slid into her mouth, thrusting in a brutal rhythm... He held both of her wrists in one hand, while the other reached for the hem of her gown and yanked it upward.
I won't give much away other than to say I loved each of these characters. They Sizzle and leave me in a wet puddle anytime they make love. Grayson is a skilled lover and a determined man. He has one of the dirtiest mouths in bed and he can go all night.
And when he isn't screwing his wife into a coma, he's seducing his way into her heart with the sweetest words.
“I pledge my troth to you, my wife. Not for my needs, as I did before, but for yours. You have given me so much—friendship, laughter, acceptance. You have never judged me or chastised. When I did not know who I was, you cared for me anyway. When I make love to you, I am content and I wish for nothing else.”
“Gerard.” His name, spoken in her broken voice, struck deeply.
“Will you let me in?” he implored.
“Why?”
“I want to give all that I am to you..."
OMG, Gerald just makes my heart melt as he seduces and woos his wife. I love books where couples fall in love after they've said, "I do." Both characters had their faults, but I loved that they were always honest with each other and that honesty became the foundation for a wonderful love story.
Sylvia Day's characters are so vivid. I loved the secondary characters and cared about the scenes that didn't involve the main couple. There was a secondary love story that was downright adorable and sexy. I can't recommend this steamy historical enough.
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February 10, 2017
For the Machalo Group Smut Challenge:
12. Pick a random one.
Since I've been on a HR kick lately, I decided my random smut choice would be in this genre. And, it was very very smutty.
Strangely, the hot smutty scenes were between a husband and wife. Yay, fidelity!
Marriage is so sexy!
These two married for varying reasons, but were only friends. They both had other lovers and were happy with it. But, when his mistress dies in childbirth - having his child, he takes off for four years. When he returns, he wants a real marriage. His wife is none too thrilled with that idea. She even decides to hold a dinner party with potential mistresses for him to choose from. That is so thoughtful! What a great wife!
He's not interested, and they soon get down and dirty together. Of course, their old lovers all conspire together to break up the happy couple, and his mother is downright evil, but hey, we all know how well it works to try and keep two people inlust love apart.
There is also a bit of a side story with her brother falling in love. It was okay-ish. But, the thing that struck me weird was about how he kept describing his chick's boobs. He kept talking about her "long nipples" and it was squeaming me out. Long nipples? Really? That's attractive? And, all this time I've been fighting gravity as much as humanly possible! Who knew that I should just let them fall towards Earth and then all the hot, young 20-yr old studs would find me irresistible?
She'll be fighting them off with a stick!
Oh well, to each his own, I guess!
Regardless of how much story there seems to be, this book is pretty much smut. I did think the story was cute, but it ended kind of abruptly. This book seriously needed an epilogue.
12. Pick a random one.
Since I've been on a HR kick lately, I decided my random smut choice would be in this genre. And, it was very very smutty.
Strangely, the hot smutty scenes were between a husband and wife. Yay, fidelity!
Marriage is so sexy!
These two married for varying reasons, but were only friends. They both had other lovers and were happy with it. But, when his mistress dies in childbirth - having his child, he takes off for four years. When he returns, he wants a real marriage. His wife is none too thrilled with that idea. She even decides to hold a dinner party with potential mistresses for him to choose from. That is so thoughtful! What a great wife!
He's not interested, and they soon get down and dirty together. Of course, their old lovers all conspire together to break up the happy couple, and his mother is downright evil, but hey, we all know how well it works to try and keep two people in
There is also a bit of a side story with her brother falling in love. It was okay-ish. But, the thing that struck me weird was about how he kept describing his chick's boobs. He kept talking about her "long nipples" and it was squeaming me out. Long nipples? Really? That's attractive? And, all this time I've been fighting gravity as much as humanly possible! Who knew that I should just let them fall towards Earth and then all the hot, young 20-yr old studs would find me irresistible?
She'll be fighting them off with a stick!
Oh well, to each his own, I guess!
Regardless of how much story there seems to be, this book is pretty much smut. I did think the story was cute, but it ended kind of abruptly. This book seriously needed an epilogue.
May 28, 2012
4 ½ Stars! Sooo good!
“Theirs was a union made for all the wrong reasons, but in the end it was one that could not have been more right.”
When I started reading this I somewhat thrown by the beginning of the book, even thought of putting it aside for a while. BUT I heard Kathleen in my head telling what a great read this was, plus I loved Sylvia Day’s book, Bared To You, so I forged ahead. I was pleasantly surprised at the turn this book took, and thoroughly enjoyed the development and strength in the relationship that ensued between Pel, and Gray. What was a scandalous and inappropriate, although arranged and agreed upon marriage, turned into a beautiful emotional love story!!
Gray is a scoundrel, has 2 mistresses, and absolutely no shame for his incorrigible ways. Pel was married to a man very similar to Gray in personality, now widowed, she is only looking for companionship, but the men she takes up with are looking for more. So Gray proposes her an option, marry him and she is rid of any more suitors, and for him, no more debutantes chasing him, his mistresses won’t expect more than he already giving them and his despicable mother will have no reason to hound him to get married. It’s a marriage of convenience, no sex and it works for both of them until Gray receives tragic news, he leaves and is gone for 4 years. I had some trouble with this and didn’t care for Gray at all, not one bit! He returns a changed man and is determined to set things right with Pel. Gray wants to win the heart of the woman he married, he doesn’t just want a piece of her…he wants it all.
As Pel and Gray go on this journey to discover each other and a love that could be, I found myself admiring her and falling head over heels for him. He is persistent, humorous, caring, and insatiable! One yummy scrumptious dish of a man! Oh, Gray’s intolerable mother tries to derail them, but they build on the faith and the friendship they have for each other, and don’t fall victim to her despicable attempts to separate them. That’s what I loved most about this book, they came to hurdle and they jumped over it…together!! As much as Pel fought it in the beginning she becomes as determined as he is to make this work. Even her old flame, Lord Hargreaves, John, who was recruited to tear them apart, sees that Gray and Pel are more than a marriage of convenience, and re-thinks his part in all of it. I hope that someday Sylvia Day will write a book for him, he is more than deserving to have a love of his own.
As the level of intimacy between Pel and Gray increases, so does their love for each other and they become Gerard and Isabel…from beginning to end…it was just beautiful!
There is also a lovely secondary romance that involves Isabel’s brother Rhys, and the darling Abby. It added another layer of emotion and sweetness to the story. They had some unexpected heated exchanges of a sexual nature and YOWZA, it was quite the bonus for the readers.
My one complaint is that I wish we were given more information on where Gray went and exactly what he was doing in the four years he was gone. What we got was vague at best.
The dialogue is fantastic; the writing is superb, the sexual intimacy between Gray and Pel is sensual, passionate, smokin’ hot and real! Almost too real!! It’s set me on FIRE!! Lot’s seat squirming, panting…maybe even a moan or two…okay lots of moaning, and the misting fan got a good workout!! I need new batteries!
I bow down to you Kathleen you know what you speak of, I agree, it was a fabulous read! I LOVED IT!!I know, I know, you told me so and btw…Seven Years to Sin…I’m on it friend!!
March 31, 2015
OMG OMG I LOVED THIS BOOK!!
this is exactly what I needed after the last book i read was such a disappointment!!
This is about Grayson and Isabel, two people who decide to marry to make each of their lives simpler (or so they think of course). Grayson is a scoundrel, he has two lovers and lives for his own pleasure. Isabel was hurt badly from her first marriage and is not going to let another man get close to her heart again. She has a lover as well, and because of her beauty men are constantly chasing her (poor thing...haha). Isabel also has a bad reputation and marrying her would drive Grayson mother insane and since her doesn't like her mother much this is added incentive to marry her. so they agree to marry and not change either of their lives, and for a while they are both happy.
Well something happens in Grayson's life that completely devastates him, it shakes him to his core and he takes off. He doesn't return for 4 years. When he comes back he is different, he is a man changed, mentally and emotionally he is wiser and apparently he has more muscles and a butt to die for! (sorry i had to mention this, but i did love his butt). What Grayson wants is a real wife, so the challenge begins!
I loved the dialogue between these two: "I am afraid," she admitted, baring what he had known, but was waiting for her to say. "How strong you are to reveal that," he praised, "and how lucky I am to be the man you share your fears with." And this one: "I think your ass is divine, and I wish to bite it" "Bite it?" He blinked. "My ass?"
And the sex between these two was hot, sensual, the chemistry you could feel. There is one encounter between them that just blows me away, I read it once and then went back and read it again! OH MY MY!!!
And I even loved the secondary romance in this book between Isabel's brother Rhys and Abby. That was charming, fun and wonderfully romantic.
Overall I found this a wonderful, sensual historical romance. It fulfilled everything i wanted and needed. I was in a funk yesterday, but today i will go to work smiling from ear to ear because yesterday I read a fantastic book! I love books for this reason! I will be reading this again.....and again i am positive!!
this is exactly what I needed after the last book i read was such a disappointment!!
This is about Grayson and Isabel, two people who decide to marry to make each of their lives simpler (or so they think of course). Grayson is a scoundrel, he has two lovers and lives for his own pleasure. Isabel was hurt badly from her first marriage and is not going to let another man get close to her heart again. She has a lover as well, and because of her beauty men are constantly chasing her (poor thing...haha). Isabel also has a bad reputation and marrying her would drive Grayson mother insane and since her doesn't like her mother much this is added incentive to marry her. so they agree to marry and not change either of their lives, and for a while they are both happy.
Well something happens in Grayson's life that completely devastates him, it shakes him to his core and he takes off. He doesn't return for 4 years. When he comes back he is different, he is a man changed, mentally and emotionally he is wiser and apparently he has more muscles and a butt to die for! (sorry i had to mention this, but i did love his butt). What Grayson wants is a real wife, so the challenge begins!
I loved the dialogue between these two: "I am afraid," she admitted, baring what he had known, but was waiting for her to say. "How strong you are to reveal that," he praised, "and how lucky I am to be the man you share your fears with." And this one: "I think your ass is divine, and I wish to bite it" "Bite it?" He blinked. "My ass?"
And the sex between these two was hot, sensual, the chemistry you could feel. There is one encounter between them that just blows me away, I read it once and then went back and read it again! OH MY MY!!!
And I even loved the secondary romance in this book between Isabel's brother Rhys and Abby. That was charming, fun and wonderfully romantic.
Overall I found this a wonderful, sensual historical romance. It fulfilled everything i wanted and needed. I was in a funk yesterday, but today i will go to work smiling from ear to ear because yesterday I read a fantastic book! I love books for this reason! I will be reading this again.....and again i am positive!!
June 2, 2010
I wasted my time off this afternoon reading this nonsense! I'm thoroughly annoyed. First of all the book starts off with the H/H sleeping with everyone. The hero is in love with another woman. Then she go away (I won't spoil it) so he marries the heroine, who is a known slut. Since her late husband, she decided to never get emotionally involved, instead she sleeps with a number of gentlemen. She does give them the attention they so called desire and stay their mistress for a number of years. Whatever! So the two rakes end up married, he experience a trauma and leaves for four years. He returns and realizes he don't want to sleep around with other people anymore. He wants his wife. She is involved with one of her lovers so she keep trying to get the hero a mistress of his own. He don't budge and he seduces her. Once they have sex with one another, the book went further downhill. There was so much sex after that, I felt exhausted and I only read the book. She was sore and still he was riding her like his life depended on it. Then there was a side romance that was rushed (oh and of course they were humping like wild bunnies too!) and eventually everyone falls in love. THE END! I expected better because I have enjoyed her other books but this one was the worst so far.
September 2, 2012
4.5 stars
I was ridiculously surprised at how much I loved this book. I think for those who read this expecting a run of the mill Historical Romance will be shocked at the language and amount of sex. But if you can go into it with an open mind and know that it is much more erotic than the norm, you'll realize that there is a new level of intimacy here... one that I don't often read in romances set even in modern times, let alone in regency romance.
Sex is written about in so many different ways. Not often do I come across an author that makes a couple truly connect during the act as well as Ms. Day did with Grayson and Isabel. Maybe because they were such good friends, knew each other and loved each other as friends, endured tragedy and weathered the rigid structure of society together. Somehow, I felt the intimacy so much more deeply than I'm used to. Their passion for one another sizzled.
Isabel was cheated on by her first husband, and she simply doesn't trust the younger Grayson. Their marriage of convenience originated from a need to be free to conduct their sexual affairs without expectations from their lovers. Their friendship endured because they didn't sleep with each other, just shared their home. When Grayson's life is suddenly struck by tragedy, he disappears for years. During his absence, he evaluates his life and comes back changed...and wanting more from Isabel than she's willing to risk. She can't let herself fall in love with her husband. But my goodness, is Grayson convincing!! Their dialogue in the heat of the moment was enough to bring tears to my eyes. Grayson is so passionate, and not afraid to let Isabel feel his passion.
"Is this all we have?"
"Isabel..."
"More"
"Damn you," Gray muttered finally, his fingers digging painfully into her flesh. "Can I ever pump deep enough? Can I ever fuck you enough? Sate you enough? Will I ever be enough?"
Grayson is anguished, aching for Isabel to love him back. He woos and loves and romances her, and God I loved every second of it! He just unabashedly chases after his wife. The wait is worth it, I swear!!! I loved this couple! Recommended for HR lovers who like a little extra steam...or a lot of extra. There was a LOT of sex in this book, but I never got the feeling of it being too much. Isabel and Grayson are both extremely sexual people, and it is their only way of truly connecting with each other before they finally learn how to be in love. Loved it, loved it!!!!
I was ridiculously surprised at how much I loved this book. I think for those who read this expecting a run of the mill Historical Romance will be shocked at the language and amount of sex. But if you can go into it with an open mind and know that it is much more erotic than the norm, you'll realize that there is a new level of intimacy here... one that I don't often read in romances set even in modern times, let alone in regency romance.
Sex is written about in so many different ways. Not often do I come across an author that makes a couple truly connect during the act as well as Ms. Day did with Grayson and Isabel. Maybe because they were such good friends, knew each other and loved each other as friends, endured tragedy and weathered the rigid structure of society together. Somehow, I felt the intimacy so much more deeply than I'm used to. Their passion for one another sizzled.
Isabel was cheated on by her first husband, and she simply doesn't trust the younger Grayson. Their marriage of convenience originated from a need to be free to conduct their sexual affairs without expectations from their lovers. Their friendship endured because they didn't sleep with each other, just shared their home. When Grayson's life is suddenly struck by tragedy, he disappears for years. During his absence, he evaluates his life and comes back changed...and wanting more from Isabel than she's willing to risk. She can't let herself fall in love with her husband. But my goodness, is Grayson convincing!! Their dialogue in the heat of the moment was enough to bring tears to my eyes. Grayson is so passionate, and not afraid to let Isabel feel his passion.
"Is this all we have?"
"Isabel..."
"More"
"Damn you," Gray muttered finally, his fingers digging painfully into her flesh. "Can I ever pump deep enough? Can I ever fuck you enough? Sate you enough? Will I ever be enough?"
Grayson is anguished, aching for Isabel to love him back. He woos and loves and romances her, and God I loved every second of it! He just unabashedly chases after his wife. The wait is worth it, I swear!!! I loved this couple! Recommended for HR lovers who like a little extra steam...or a lot of extra. There was a LOT of sex in this book, but I never got the feeling of it being too much. Isabel and Grayson are both extremely sexual people, and it is their only way of truly connecting with each other before they finally learn how to be in love. Loved it, loved it!!!!
October 22, 2022
OH COME ON !!! NO EPILOGUE ?
I think its truly been a long time since a book tested my patience and attention the way THIS book did.
Meet Isabelle and Grayson, young and lively,these two are the definition of the phrase "Friend's with benefits", until they finally decide to throw marriage into the equation to make things more complicated.
Though no matter how chic-lite and funny this Synopsis does sound,this book really is the epitome of Dark angry sex and how a wounded lonely past can fester and down tone your soul.
"When love burn's you once, you never want to hurt twice...
After spending 4 years away from his wife, Grayson is finally back to over-throw his wife paramours and finally win her over, claiming that time away from her had taught him a wretched lesson about how much his she actually meant to him.
MY THOUGHTS:
In all Honesty,I can't say I'm surprised by the ratings,I kind of guessed this one would be a four star for me by the time I was drifting around the 80% mark ... other than the scratchy fights and angry sex..I didn't really find any strong plot or other strong secondary characters that made this story entertaining enough in between while I slogged thru a whole 312 pages to make sure the leads reach their HEA.
I didn't really like the two main character,which poised another huge problem for me .And regarding the issue of genre,I did NOT feel like I was reading a HR but more of a book that would fall into the category of contemporary romance like
....which is all ok...except the fact that non-HR was NOT what I signed up for.
RECOMMENDATION : As I said, if you like hard-core angry sex and a bunch load of dirty words,this book is totally for you !
But if your expecting another HR romance with a swoon worthy hero and a virginal heroine your defiantly in for a surprise,lovelies !! Consider urself Warned !
I think its truly been a long time since a book tested my patience and attention the way THIS book did.
Meet Isabelle and Grayson, young and lively,these two are the definition of the phrase "Friend's with benefits", until they finally decide to throw marriage into the equation to make things more complicated.
Though no matter how chic-lite and funny this Synopsis does sound,this book really is the epitome of Dark angry sex and how a wounded lonely past can fester and down tone your soul.
"When love burn's you once, you never want to hurt twice...
After spending 4 years away from his wife, Grayson is finally back to over-throw his wife paramours and finally win her over, claiming that time away from her had taught him a wretched lesson about how much his she actually meant to him.
MY THOUGHTS:
In all Honesty,I can't say I'm surprised by the ratings,I kind of guessed this one would be a four star for me by the time I was drifting around the 80% mark ... other than the scratchy fights and angry sex..I didn't really find any strong plot or other strong secondary characters that made this story entertaining enough in between while I slogged thru a whole 312 pages to make sure the leads reach their HEA.
I didn't really like the two main character,which poised another huge problem for me .And regarding the issue of genre,I did NOT feel like I was reading a HR but more of a book that would fall into the category of contemporary romance like
....which is all ok...except the fact that non-HR was NOT what I signed up for.RECOMMENDATION : As I said, if you like hard-core angry sex and a bunch load of dirty words,this book is totally for you !
But if your expecting another HR romance with a swoon worthy hero and a virginal heroine your defiantly in for a surprise,lovelies !! Consider urself Warned !
May 6, 2012
This was my favorite book from Sylvia Day. I absolutely LOVED it!
5/5/2012
Story Rating 5 Stars
Character Rating 5 Stars
Romance Rating 5 Stars
Heat Level 4.5 Stars
Overall Rating 5 stars
It has bee a long time since I have read this book. I remembered that I loved it and not much else. I must say that it was like I was reading this book for the first time and loved it just as much as the first time around.
Isabel and Gerard married but not for the normal reason's. She accepted the proposal knowing it would keep her lovers from wanting her to marry them. He married Isabel to keep woman from expecting more than sex from him and also to stop his mother from trying to match make for him. They were good friends but went to others for their sexual needs.
One day something happened and Gerard took off and stayed away for four years. When he returned he realized that he wanted his wife in his life and lusted after her. She on the other hand wanting to keep things the way they always' were. She had her reasons for not wanting to be with Gerard and I don't want to give the whole story away.
I loved reading how Gerard went about trying to change Isabel's mind and also loved reading how they eventually fell in love. The sex scenes were many and done with a lot of passion. It ended with a HEA.
Any of my goodreads friends out there who love historical romances with some good heat and have never tried a Sylvia Day historical are REALLY missing out. I highly recommend this book and Seven Years To Sin.
5/5/2012
Story Rating 5 Stars
Character Rating 5 Stars
Romance Rating 5 Stars
Heat Level 4.5 Stars
Overall Rating 5 stars
It has bee a long time since I have read this book. I remembered that I loved it and not much else. I must say that it was like I was reading this book for the first time and loved it just as much as the first time around.
Isabel and Gerard married but not for the normal reason's. She accepted the proposal knowing it would keep her lovers from wanting her to marry them. He married Isabel to keep woman from expecting more than sex from him and also to stop his mother from trying to match make for him. They were good friends but went to others for their sexual needs.
One day something happened and Gerard took off and stayed away for four years. When he returned he realized that he wanted his wife in his life and lusted after her. She on the other hand wanting to keep things the way they always' were. She had her reasons for not wanting to be with Gerard and I don't want to give the whole story away.
I loved reading how Gerard went about trying to change Isabel's mind and also loved reading how they eventually fell in love. The sex scenes were many and done with a lot of passion. It ended with a HEA.
Any of my goodreads friends out there who love historical romances with some good heat and have never tried a Sylvia Day historical are REALLY missing out. I highly recommend this book and Seven Years To Sin.
September 4, 2020
An open marriage! The very last trope I ever thought I’d read forget enjoy! But surprisingly this book has a romance of the sweetest caliber. A bit mushy, a bit smutty and nothing exemplary writing wise but awfully sweet all the same.
July 14, 2015
THIS. IS. THE. BEST. OF. THE. BEST.
Ok, this is one of my favourite booksso, don't say a word or I'll cut your face(?
My reaction to the prologue:
If that's the prologue... Good lord, I thought, how the book will be!?
Just 5 fuckin' pages and I was like
“See your ring on my finger,” he growled, obviously frustrated. “Know that I am yours. That I am different from the others.” Gray licked the shell of her ear, and then bit the lobe. “Want me, damn you. The way I want you.”
His words... His actions... His thoughts...
Dear Lady Isabel Pelham and Gerard Faulkner, Marquess of Grayson (even Rhys and Abby):
Isabel is great! I mean who haven't thought, can love just run out? Spite of a good beginning, people change... Oh, Pel, I don't even have a bad experience and I understand you!
A lot of wtf, omg, ohhhhh and hot moments. I LOVED IT ALL
Ok, this is one of my favourite books
My reaction to the prologue:
If that's the prologue... Good lord, I thought, how the book will be!?
Just 5 fuckin' pages and I was like
“See your ring on my finger,” he growled, obviously frustrated. “Know that I am yours. That I am different from the others.” Gray licked the shell of her ear, and then bit the lobe. “Want me, damn you. The way I want you.”
His words... His actions... His thoughts...
Dear Lady Isabel Pelham and Gerard Faulkner, Marquess of Grayson (even Rhys and Abby):
Isabel is great! I mean who haven't thought, can love just run out? Spite of a good beginning, people change... Oh, Pel, I don't even have a bad experience and I understand you!
A lot of wtf, omg, ohhhhh and hot moments. I LOVED IT ALL
July 11, 2013
Needed a historical fix and this one fit the bill nicely. It is way too hot here to be online writing reviews so this one is short. Loved it. Great writing. Highly recommend it. I thought once I was on holidays I would have more time to read and review - the opposite is true....
September 20, 2023
4 Stars on re-read in June 2023!
Quick Review
- I have understood one thing about Sylvia Day, she can spout complexity like nobody else, and I say this as a fierce compliment.
- She has a way to turn run of the mill tropes into something so deliciously entertaining by pushing the emotional boundaries of her characters, and in turn, her readers. This one was no exception.
- It was beautifully written, funny, sensual, intelligent, emotional and dramatic.
*When I finished reading this book, all I could think of was Her Lovestruck Lord. I had judged the hero so harshly for keeping a mistress that my review was rife with swear words. This story may have inclined me to broaden my view a little on a marriage of convenience of those times in the truest sense.
- Gray & Isabel's story was a second chancer of sorts. You know where it is going, but how is it going to get there is what kept me riveted.
- Their romance was different and difficult. The OW & OM drama can be difficult to overcome, but Ms Day managed it with aplomb. Both of them are on an even footing in the journey to make it a marriage in truth.
- I enjoyed Gray more than I did Isabel. He had a lot to overcome, which apparently he did, and I would have loved to read about it, sadly it was not provided to us. I have this one big looming question, what changed for Gray? Why did he come back wanting to work on a marriage of convenience?
- Again, if you accept this at face value, then what followed was an exceptionally unique way of wooing one's wife.
- I admired the strength of both these characters. Their journey was so damn hot & passionate. Their discourse was intelligent, and the banter was funny.
- I wish it had an epilogue.
My Recommendation
My review writing skills might be suffering in the new year. Somehow, I am finding it difficult to give voice to Ms Day's stories. So, bad review notwithstanding, I do recommend this book, and as proof, I offer this - I took a sick day on the first Monday of the year to read this book.
Quick Review
- I have understood one thing about Sylvia Day, she can spout complexity like nobody else, and I say this as a fierce compliment.
- She has a way to turn run of the mill tropes into something so deliciously entertaining by pushing the emotional boundaries of her characters, and in turn, her readers. This one was no exception.
- It was beautifully written, funny, sensual, intelligent, emotional and dramatic.
*When I finished reading this book, all I could think of was Her Lovestruck Lord. I had judged the hero so harshly for keeping a mistress that my review was rife with swear words. This story may have inclined me to broaden my view a little on a marriage of convenience of those times in the truest sense.
- Gray & Isabel's story was a second chancer of sorts. You know where it is going, but how is it going to get there is what kept me riveted.
- Their romance was different and difficult. The OW & OM drama can be difficult to overcome, but Ms Day managed it with aplomb. Both of them are on an even footing in the journey to make it a marriage in truth.
- I enjoyed Gray more than I did Isabel. He had a lot to overcome, which apparently he did, and I would have loved to read about it, sadly it was not provided to us. I have this one big looming question, what changed for Gray? Why did he come back wanting to work on a marriage of convenience?
- Again, if you accept this at face value, then what followed was an exceptionally unique way of wooing one's wife.
- I admired the strength of both these characters. Their journey was so damn hot & passionate. Their discourse was intelligent, and the banter was funny.
- I wish it had an epilogue.
My Recommendation
My review writing skills might be suffering in the new year. Somehow, I am finding it difficult to give voice to Ms Day's stories. So, bad review notwithstanding, I do recommend this book, and as proof, I offer this - I took a sick day on the first Monday of the year to read this book.
Want to read
September 19, 2012Just read this quote on Facebook :)
"I do not require your assistance to find sex. I require you. I want messy. And sweaty and dirty. God give me strength, for I have been cursed with wanting that from my wife." - Gray, in THE STRANGER I MARRIED
"I do not require your assistance to find sex. I require you. I want messy. And sweaty and dirty. God give me strength, for I have been cursed with wanting that from my wife." - Gray, in THE STRANGER I MARRIED
June 20, 2013
ETA: I realize now that the reason the age thing struck me as so "off" is because I quite often read May/December romances, where the heroine is much, MUCH younger than the hero in a Historical setting. That sort of pairing seems quite common back then, so it was a bit startling to have so much emphasis put on a mere four years, lol. It appears we have a double standard. (what else is new?!) Anyway, I'll admit I don't often read about the woman being older, as I prefer the opposite, so I will defer to the author here. ;-D
Historical Erotic Romance is my favorite genre, so I was excited to start this one. I had read Ask For It by the same author, which is SUPER hot, so I expected this to be the same.
Have to say, I was a tiny bit disappointed. Yes, there is sex and it's quite explicit, there just wasn't as much of it as I'd expected. Perhaps the scenes there were just weren't long enough. Yeah, that could be it. I like me some long drawn-out lovin', now. ;-D And again, I did go into it with a certain mindset having already read Ask For It.
That aside, there was one minor annoyance that drove me a bit crazy. Throughout the book, there is constant mention of how Isabel is older than Gray. At one point she is shocked by her strong reaction to him physically, thinking herself past the point of such desire...there's several mentions of her possibly being too old to bear children...
Isabel is FOUR years older than Grayson. FOUR. For the majority of the book, he's 26 and she's 30. Sorry, but I thought that such a minor age difference as not to merit all the brouhaha. I know women got married really young back then, and in fact, if you weren't married by your early twenties you were considered an old maid. I get that. I guess I still think there should've been a slightly larger age gap between them for the big fuss. Like 7-10 years. That would have made it more believable, imo.
Isabel and Grayson were both very likable characters, and I did enjoy the rocky path they took from strangers to lovers, and finally to true companions who were desperately in love. They both had their reasons for keeping their distance at first, so it takes them awhile to get there. (Otherwise, there'd be no book, right?) ;-)
There was a side story with Isabel's brother Rhys and a charming girl named Abby that I REALLY loved. I adored this couple so much I wish they could've had their own story!
To sum it up, I enjoyed this book, but it's not one of my absolute favorites. Definitely worth a read, though!
Historical Erotic Romance is my favorite genre, so I was excited to start this one. I had read Ask For It by the same author, which is SUPER hot, so I expected this to be the same.
Have to say, I was a tiny bit disappointed. Yes, there is sex and it's quite explicit, there just wasn't as much of it as I'd expected. Perhaps the scenes there were just weren't long enough. Yeah, that could be it. I like me some long drawn-out lovin', now. ;-D And again, I did go into it with a certain mindset having already read Ask For It.
That aside, there was one minor annoyance that drove me a bit crazy. Throughout the book, there is constant mention of how Isabel is older than Gray. At one point she is shocked by her strong reaction to him physically, thinking herself past the point of such desire...there's several mentions of her possibly being too old to bear children...
Isabel is FOUR years older than Grayson. FOUR. For the majority of the book, he's 26 and she's 30. Sorry, but I thought that such a minor age difference as not to merit all the brouhaha. I know women got married really young back then, and in fact, if you weren't married by your early twenties you were considered an old maid. I get that. I guess I still think there should've been a slightly larger age gap between them for the big fuss. Like 7-10 years. That would have made it more believable, imo.
Isabel and Grayson were both very likable characters, and I did enjoy the rocky path they took from strangers to lovers, and finally to true companions who were desperately in love. They both had their reasons for keeping their distance at first, so it takes them awhile to get there. (Otherwise, there'd be no book, right?) ;-)
There was a side story with Isabel's brother Rhys and a charming girl named Abby that I REALLY loved. I adored this couple so much I wish they could've had their own story!
To sum it up, I enjoyed this book, but it's not one of my absolute favorites. Definitely worth a read, though!
June 21, 2012
Spoiler Free Review
4 STARS
Genre: Historical Romance
" I pledge my troth to you my wife. Not for my needs, as i did before, but for yours. You have given me so much- friendship, laughter, acceptance. You have never judged me or chastised. When i did not know who i was, you cared for me anyway." -Gerard in The Stranger I Married
The once married Lady Pelham has no need for a man besides good company and sex. But when Lady Pelham(Isabel)is appraoched by a young Gerard Faulkner the Marquess of Grayson and he asks for her hand in marriage she can not believe it. She tells Gerard that he should be courting one of the young girls not a mature woman like herself. But her resistance proves to be ineffective because the proposal he gives is more tempting than ever. Faulkner has no wishes to be tied down with just one woman; and he knows that Lady Pelham does not desire to be tied to just one man.
The Plan is to get married and live in companionship while having lovers to satisfy their sexual needs. Lady Pelham agrees to this and the two marry. Six months into the marriage Gerard receives a letter that changes everything. He leaves London and does not return for four years. When Garard does return he is a changed man he comes back to be with his wife and no one else. He expects the same from her, but Lady Pelham does not believe in giving away her heart again she is done with love. The Marquess of Grayson decides he will have her and will stop at nothing to win her heart!
Thoughts
I loved Pel and Grayson's relationship when they decided they wanted eachother everyone else took a backseat for the show. I loved the sub- plot romance with Rhys and Abigal very, very steamy. This was my first historical romance and it will not be my last!
My Ratings
Characters- Lovable
Writing Style- Good
Plot/Storyline- Good
Steam Factor- Very Steamy
Overall- Enjoyable!!
4 STARS
Genre: Historical Romance
" I pledge my troth to you my wife. Not for my needs, as i did before, but for yours. You have given me so much- friendship, laughter, acceptance. You have never judged me or chastised. When i did not know who i was, you cared for me anyway." -Gerard in The Stranger I Married
The once married Lady Pelham has no need for a man besides good company and sex. But when Lady Pelham(Isabel)is appraoched by a young Gerard Faulkner the Marquess of Grayson and he asks for her hand in marriage she can not believe it. She tells Gerard that he should be courting one of the young girls not a mature woman like herself. But her resistance proves to be ineffective because the proposal he gives is more tempting than ever. Faulkner has no wishes to be tied down with just one woman; and he knows that Lady Pelham does not desire to be tied to just one man.
The Plan is to get married and live in companionship while having lovers to satisfy their sexual needs. Lady Pelham agrees to this and the two marry. Six months into the marriage Gerard receives a letter that changes everything. He leaves London and does not return for four years. When Garard does return he is a changed man he comes back to be with his wife and no one else. He expects the same from her, but Lady Pelham does not believe in giving away her heart again she is done with love. The Marquess of Grayson decides he will have her and will stop at nothing to win her heart!
Thoughts
I loved Pel and Grayson's relationship when they decided they wanted eachother everyone else took a backseat for the show. I loved the sub- plot romance with Rhys and Abigal very, very steamy. This was my first historical romance and it will not be my last!
My Ratings
Characters- Lovable
Writing Style- Good
Plot/Storyline- Good
Steam Factor- Very Steamy
Overall- Enjoyable!!
August 7, 2013
3,5 Stars - a slightly silly and predictable, but still pretty sweet, steamy romance
Ms. Day shows again that she is really good at writing a really hot historical romance. I don't know if it's the fact that I read this decadent story in my mother tongue meant that I snorted and thought it was particularly ridiculous compared to other stories in the genre. Perhaps it is so? Either way, this was a perfect quick and entertaining book to read a few sunny days on the beach.
Isabel and her husband Lord Grayson's (Gerhard Faulkner) hot relationship was really cute to follow and some emotional tears, plus a few laughs, squeezed they atleast out of me.
A perfect historical if you want to read something really "hot" with a cozy hero and a lovable heroine. It was surely not the last book of Ms. Day I read.
I LIKE - steamy, cute but slightly goofy ...
~~~~~~~~
- read in swedish.
Ms. Day shows again that she is really good at writing a really hot historical romance. I don't know if it's the fact that I read this decadent story in my mother tongue meant that I snorted and thought it was particularly ridiculous compared to other stories in the genre. Perhaps it is so? Either way, this was a perfect quick and entertaining book to read a few sunny days on the beach.
Isabel and her husband Lord Grayson's (Gerhard Faulkner) hot relationship was really cute to follow and some emotional tears, plus a few laughs, squeezed they atleast out of me.
A perfect historical if you want to read something really "hot" with a cozy hero and a lovable heroine. It was surely not the last book of Ms. Day I read.
I LIKE - steamy, cute but slightly goofy ...
~~~~~~~~
- read in swedish.
May 20, 2010
Wow! This one will definitely forced me to turn on my AC (one of the most erotic stories I've ever read), but unfortunately this one will be one that I will forget all to easily.
My main complaint is this....I didn't care for either of the leads. Pel is about the "most unique" heroine I've ever come across. She is almost more promiscuous than Gray her "husband". This, while in some ways refreshing, kept me from really connecting with her character. She was far to disconnected from her emotions for my taste. Gray was also difficult for me to connect with. He went through quite a transformation and turned all his attention and libido towards Pel (lucky girl:). His relentless pursuit of her should have read as "romantic", but for me...I just didn't know why Pel was such an obsession to him. Usually I'd like to say "it's love!", but in this book, I'd have to say "it's lust".
For me...Not enough heart to go with the amount of "steam" (if you know what I mean!)
My main complaint is this....I didn't care for either of the leads. Pel is about the "most unique" heroine I've ever come across. She is almost more promiscuous than Gray her "husband". This, while in some ways refreshing, kept me from really connecting with her character. She was far to disconnected from her emotions for my taste. Gray was also difficult for me to connect with. He went through quite a transformation and turned all his attention and libido towards Pel (lucky girl:). His relentless pursuit of her should have read as "romantic", but for me...I just didn't know why Pel was such an obsession to him. Usually I'd like to say "it's love!", but in this book, I'd have to say "it's lust".
For me...Not enough heart to go with the amount of "steam" (if you know what I mean!)
March 25, 2012
A great twist on the story line of marrying for convenience, then falling in love afterwards. Very romantic and sexy. Gray was a yummy, sexy hero too. A very hot read!
September 17, 2017
This book, although very well written and edited, contains two of my biggest pet peeves:
1) Lost time - The whole "4 years later" without any details of those years doesn't work for me.
2) No communication leads to unfounded assumptions - When the h and H don't communicate how they feel just to prolong the angst, it simply frustrates the reader and I very much dislike that.
I give this book 2.5/3 stars. The supporting characters were somewhat interesting and I was able to finish the book.
Rating Legend:
5 star-loved it
4 star-liked it
3 star-it was okay
2 star-didn't like it
1 star-hated it
1) Lost time - The whole "4 years later" without any details of those years doesn't work for me.
2) No communication leads to unfounded assumptions - When the h and H don't communicate how they feel just to prolong the angst, it simply frustrates the reader and I very much dislike that.
I give this book 2.5/3 stars. The supporting characters were somewhat interesting and I was able to finish the book.
Rating Legend:
5 star-loved it
4 star-liked it
3 star-it was okay
2 star-didn't like it
1 star-hated it
May 29, 2015
For one, I hated the story. For two, I disliked the MCs. For three, it was toooooo long. Ick.
October 3, 2021
*3.5 stars*
I liked it, but I got to say this book needed an epilogue badly! I can’t believe in ended like that and we don’t get to see if Gerard and Isabel had a family. After their fight about having children and how important that was to them and their relationship I had hoped to see if they had a family in the end. But other than that I enjoyed this book.
I liked it, but I got to say this book needed an epilogue badly! I can’t believe in ended like that and we don’t get to see if Gerard and Isabel had a family. After their fight about having children and how important that was to them and their relationship I had hoped to see if they had a family in the end. But other than that I enjoyed this book.
July 19, 2024
Read it for the smut, I guess. But be forewarned, there are two intimate scenes of the hero in bed with another woman.
The romance was not that interesting, or it was not one that I was in the mood for. I zoned in and out of the audiobook a few times. I had a hard time understanding how he suddenly wants a real marriage after four years of separation and grieving for his first love. The heroine was stubborn and resistant to have a real marriage with the hero since her first husband had mistresses and it broke her heart. When she does agree, there are at most three people who wants to come between them. It looks like the H/h will make some progress in their relationship only for the heroine to doubt their marriage being a successful one. This felt repetitive and I was losing patience with the heroine. Oh, yeah, she constantly reminds the hero and the reader that she’s too old for him or that she’s just old in general. I think there’s a four year age gap. 26-30.
It was an unexpected, but pleasant, surprise to get a secondary romance between the heroine’s brother and an American orphaned heiress. They get a few steamy scenes, too. I like that he’s a caring and supportive brother to the heroine.
No epilogue. They make up and have sex and The End.
The romance was not that interesting, or it was not one that I was in the mood for. I zoned in and out of the audiobook a few times. I had a hard time understanding how he suddenly wants a real marriage after four years of separation and grieving for his first love. The heroine was stubborn and resistant to have a real marriage with the hero since her first husband had mistresses and it broke her heart. When she does agree, there are at most three people who wants to come between them. It looks like the H/h will make some progress in their relationship only for the heroine to doubt their marriage being a successful one. This felt repetitive and I was losing patience with the heroine. Oh, yeah, she constantly reminds the hero and the reader that she’s too old for him or that she’s just old in general. I think there’s a four year age gap. 26-30.
It was an unexpected, but pleasant, surprise to get a secondary romance between the heroine’s brother and an American orphaned heiress. They get a few steamy scenes, too. I like that he’s a caring and supportive brother to the heroine.
No epilogue. They make up and have sex and The End.
November 30, 2020
I was super into this but about halfway through I needed more character development.
Great concept of a marriage of convenience where Pel and Gerard are actively pursuing other lovers in their marriage that is more of a friendship. Gerard is in his twenties, in love with his childhood sweetheart who was married to someone else when he was off on his Grand Tour. He decides to marry Pel because he doesn't want to marry someone he'd have to care about. IDK, I felt like he didn't have a stronger reason other than to get his mom/society off his back and continue to sleep around.
I felt like I knew Pel. I understood why Pel wanted to stay a widow. I understood why Pel decided on a whim to go into this marriage, and also why she was uncomfortable when Gerard returned and started to have feelings for him.
Gerard, on the other hand, is two different people who have no connection with each other. I was not satisfied with Carefree Gerard in his early twenties and Grim Gerard in his mid-twenties. I didn't understand WHY he came back.
It wasn't clear to Pel - or to me, frankly - when Gerard changed. He doesn't even know, either! One interaction between them bothered me because it could have been an opportunity for character development. Pel asks Gerard if *this* was enough, this being the bedroom. Gerard says something to the effect that he couldn't handle it if there was more, to imply that there is a lot of emotional connection just in the bedroom and that you can't discount the spiritual bonding of physical intimacy.
But I never got a better reason for why he came back all of a sudden. Other than, maybe I should randomly check in on my wife who I've ignored for the past 4 years.
The real nonsense is when he reveals to Pel that he believes he never truly loved his childhood sweetheart, Emily. EXCUSE ME? I felt that cheapened his whole transformation from being a carefree, selfish lad to a more responsible man, and it also doesn't make sense. What was he mourning for then that he ran up and left London to mourn her death for 4 years?! It was just because he loved the idea of her and how she made him feel? COME ON...
I think instead of Pel's brother, Trenthorn, falling in love with a bookworm heiress, we should have gotten some more conflict to add some spicy tension to the story. Instead, it's mostly Gerard telling Pel that he wants to sleep with her. And then they do.
This being said, I'm still really interested to read what else Sylvia Day has written before forming my opinion.
Great concept of a marriage of convenience where Pel and Gerard are actively pursuing other lovers in their marriage that is more of a friendship. Gerard is in his twenties, in love with his childhood sweetheart who was married to someone else when he was off on his Grand Tour. He decides to marry Pel because he doesn't want to marry someone he'd have to care about. IDK, I felt like he didn't have a stronger reason other than to get his mom/society off his back and continue to sleep around.
I felt like I knew Pel. I understood why Pel wanted to stay a widow. I understood why Pel decided on a whim to go into this marriage, and also why she was uncomfortable when Gerard returned and started to have feelings for him.
Gerard, on the other hand, is two different people who have no connection with each other. I was not satisfied with Carefree Gerard in his early twenties and Grim Gerard in his mid-twenties. I didn't understand WHY he came back.
It wasn't clear to Pel - or to me, frankly - when Gerard changed. He doesn't even know, either! One interaction between them bothered me because it could have been an opportunity for character development. Pel asks Gerard if *this* was enough, this being the bedroom. Gerard says something to the effect that he couldn't handle it if there was more, to imply that there is a lot of emotional connection just in the bedroom and that you can't discount the spiritual bonding of physical intimacy.
But I never got a better reason for why he came back all of a sudden. Other than, maybe I should randomly check in on my wife who I've ignored for the past 4 years.
The real nonsense is when he reveals to Pel that he believes he never truly loved his childhood sweetheart, Emily. EXCUSE ME? I felt that cheapened his whole transformation from being a carefree, selfish lad to a more responsible man, and it also doesn't make sense. What was he mourning for then that he ran up and left London to mourn her death for 4 years?! It was just because he loved the idea of her and how she made him feel? COME ON...
I think instead of Pel's brother, Trenthorn, falling in love with a bookworm heiress, we should have gotten some more conflict to add some spicy tension to the story. Instead, it's mostly Gerard telling Pel that he wants to sleep with her. And then they do.
This being said, I'm still really interested to read what else Sylvia Day has written before forming my opinion.
May 12, 2009
If you are a fan of Thea Devine or Susan Johnson, than Sylvia Day is the author for you. This book has so many sex scenes with our two main characters trying every position imaginable is a feat beyond itself. If you are looking for a juicy plot, look elsewhere.
Everyone is this book who is married sleeps with everyone. Of course the reader doesn't let us see too much of the hanky panky going on between the less than important people in this book, but we read about it in everyone's conversations.
Bella our heroine and her hero Gray have baggage but we are not overrun by it. (Bella's first husband cheated on her horribly and Gray's first love died from giving birth to his baby while she was married to someone else) Their marriage at first was one of convience, they weren't even intimate. But then Gray leaves heartbroken over the death of his one true love. He comes back a changed man after 4 years and wants to make a marriage with Bella a "true" marriage, meaning sex and more sex, and maybe love will bloom.
Bella on the other hand is afraid because Gray is so much younger than she! (She is in her early 30's and Gray is about mid twenties). She just knows he will turn out to be like her first husband, so she is doesn't want to care for him other than friendship.
There is also a nice funny secondary romance with Bella's brother and a young woman from America. If you like steamy sex scenes with a plot that is in the background, enjoy this book!
Everyone is this book who is married sleeps with everyone. Of course the reader doesn't let us see too much of the hanky panky going on between the less than important people in this book, but we read about it in everyone's conversations.
Bella our heroine and her hero Gray have baggage but we are not overrun by it. (Bella's first husband cheated on her horribly and Gray's first love died from giving birth to his baby while she was married to someone else) Their marriage at first was one of convience, they weren't even intimate. But then Gray leaves heartbroken over the death of his one true love. He comes back a changed man after 4 years and wants to make a marriage with Bella a "true" marriage, meaning sex and more sex, and maybe love will bloom.
Bella on the other hand is afraid because Gray is so much younger than she! (She is in her early 30's and Gray is about mid twenties). She just knows he will turn out to be like her first husband, so she is doesn't want to care for him other than friendship.
There is also a nice funny secondary romance with Bella's brother and a young woman from America. If you like steamy sex scenes with a plot that is in the background, enjoy this book!
May 9, 2017
This book takes place in the 1800s. We meet Gray who's in love with a married woman. Isabel who doesn't believe in a man being faithful to his wife after a failed marriage. Gray proposes to Isabel that they get married just as a front. His lover dies so Gray leaves Isabel alone for 4 years. When he comes back he realizes he has a second chance now with Isabel.
August 13, 2016
I loved this book.
I think it's my favourite Sylvia Day book.
I think it's my favourite Sylvia Day book.
December 30, 2015
I went into this with high hopes simply because of the premise and reviews. I was surprised at what I got. Certain characters where somewhat more enjoyable than others. Lady Isabel Pelham and Lord Gerard Grayson were a perfect match for each other...but not for the reasons I was hoping for. lol They both agreed to a marriage of convenience that after four years turns into something more. The plot and set up were there and had a good start but I found it lacking in some areas. It just was missing something for me. I found myself loving some parts then getting bored in other parts where I was almost tempted to skim through the pages. For starters the heroine's complete nonplussed reaction to the things her husband would or wouldn't do, her lack of emotion to anything and refusing to believe he loves her and sometimes patronizing attitude towards him (because of the age difference that is brought up in every other conversation... good grief) just grated my nerves. Yes technically they start out as just friends but seriously when this gets dragged out through more than half of the book it looses steam. If it wasn't for all that ridiculousness I maybe would have enjoyed these two more. Maybe. I guess a big part of it is because of their arrangement and how they interacted through most of the book I had a hard time buying these two being anything more than good screw-buddies. Lust? Yes. Love...no.
Aside from that, the thing I enjoyed the most I have to say was the side-story of Isabel's brother Rhys finding love unexpectedly with the quiet wallflower Abby Hammond. I found their budding romance more charming and endearing then I did Isabel and Gray's story. It was a nice break. Only thing I have to say that weirded me out was the description of Abby's nipples being described as 'long'. Her long stretchy nipples...Really?? -__- It's emphasized repeatedly with Rhys constantly tugging and pulling on them, spouting flowery prose over them like they are the sexiest thing ever. Uh..no. *shudders* Wish Day found a better adjective because the visual in my head was so NOT sexy. Ick. Anyways, these two saved the story for me. If it wasn't for this nice interlude I probably would have given this a lower rating. I wanted more of Rhys and Abby then I did Isabel and Grayson. I could have cared less about the hero and apathetic heroine.
But overall my biggest problem and what gave me pause was the author's style of writing, the language was way too modern for a historical setting. It confused the shit out of me. I understand this was more of a erotica book but given it's setting in 1815 England, words like ass and fuck (which yes I know the word fuck existed back then) used continuously through the book seemed really weird and for me really unrealistic. And I'm sorry but the last time I checked the English peerage in those days never used the word 'ass'. Uh hello?? Please authors do research or pay attention to the dialogue you use and make sure it correlates to the freaking time setting of your story! I don't know if the author chose to gloss over that intentionally or what but it was a glaringly obvious error that kept popping up everywhere given the number of times it was used. It just went into the unrealistic, inaccurate area for me. I mean never mind the steamy sex scenes, that's a given but to casually use the phrase 'fuck' in conversations in mixed company (and with your family members no less) was a little weird for me and not appropriate. I lost count how many times I read the phrase 'fine ass' when Isabel was checking out her hubby's butt. Very inaccurate and distracting to say the least.
And sometimes it went into the cheesy area for me in the descriptive words used. I'm all for smut and steamy love scenes--yes please!-- but in this it just got to be kind of redundant. I felt the same conversations were brought up and I had a very hard time buying them falling in love since all they do is hump each other instead of actual talking. Meh.
Aside from that, the thing I enjoyed the most I have to say was the side-story of Isabel's brother Rhys finding love unexpectedly with the quiet wallflower Abby Hammond. I found their budding romance more charming and endearing then I did Isabel and Gray's story. It was a nice break. Only thing I have to say that weirded me out was the description of Abby's nipples being described as 'long'. Her long stretchy nipples...Really?? -__- It's emphasized repeatedly with Rhys constantly tugging and pulling on them, spouting flowery prose over them like they are the sexiest thing ever. Uh..no. *shudders* Wish Day found a better adjective because the visual in my head was so NOT sexy. Ick. Anyways, these two saved the story for me. If it wasn't for this nice interlude I probably would have given this a lower rating. I wanted more of Rhys and Abby then I did Isabel and Grayson. I could have cared less about the hero and apathetic heroine.
But overall my biggest problem and what gave me pause was the author's style of writing, the language was way too modern for a historical setting. It confused the shit out of me. I understand this was more of a erotica book but given it's setting in 1815 England, words like ass and fuck (which yes I know the word fuck existed back then) used continuously through the book seemed really weird and for me really unrealistic. And I'm sorry but the last time I checked the English peerage in those days never used the word 'ass'. Uh hello?? Please authors do research or pay attention to the dialogue you use and make sure it correlates to the freaking time setting of your story! I don't know if the author chose to gloss over that intentionally or what but it was a glaringly obvious error that kept popping up everywhere given the number of times it was used. It just went into the unrealistic, inaccurate area for me. I mean never mind the steamy sex scenes, that's a given but to casually use the phrase 'fuck' in conversations in mixed company (and with your family members no less) was a little weird for me and not appropriate. I lost count how many times I read the phrase 'fine ass' when Isabel was checking out her hubby's butt. Very inaccurate and distracting to say the least.
And sometimes it went into the cheesy area for me in the descriptive words used. I'm all for smut and steamy love scenes--yes please!-- but in this it just got to be kind of redundant. I felt the same conversations were brought up and I had a very hard time buying them falling in love since all they do is hump each other instead of actual talking. Meh.
December 29, 2009
It seemed like the perfect arrangement. Lady Isabel Pelham is tired of proposals from men she doesn't want to marry. Gerard Faulkner, Marquess of Grayson, needs a wife. Both Isabel and Gerard are notorious for their romantic liaisons, and both know that any marriage between the two of them would be one of convenience based only on friendship. Soon after their marriage, though, a tragic accident sends Gerard away from London and his new wife. Four years later, when he finally returns, Gerard is no longer the charming rake Isabel first married, and he is no longer willing to settle for a marriage based simply on friendship. A woman determined to resist falling in love becomes engaged in a seductive battle of wits with a man equally determined to win her love.
This has just been added to my list of all time favorites! I love Isabelle and Gerard's relationship they were extremely passionate characters there interactions and dialog were well written I loved everything about them. They both came into a convenient marriage jaded and with there own flaws there marital issues were realistic, no petty bs drama!
Gerard married Isabelle to technically stay single, he thought he was "in love" with his childhood sweetheart Emily, who he neglected and she marries another man, she becomes pregnant with Gerard's child... he is completely happy with there relationship and marries Isabelle to keep all of the husband hunters away. Isabelle's first marriage was a disaster she married too young to a man who didn't return her affection, and while they had a reasonably civil marriage which ended in her husband dying in a duel fought over his lover, the experience left her scarred and gave her a serious aversion to future marriages. Isabelle takes a string of lovers who she cares for and remains faithful to for the duration of the affair, which she always ends when her lover gets to attached.... Gerard and Isabelle marry and continue there own personal love lives until Emily dies in child birth, Gerard is grief stricken and runs off to find himself he disappears for 4 years trying to remake himself into a decent person.
He only returns when he hears the horrible gossip being spread about Isabelle, gossip that is partially because of his absence. When he returns he finds a surprising spark between Isabelle and himself that was not previously there. Isabelle is reluctant to fall into bed with her husband for fear of being hurt the way she was in her first marriage. Gerard pursues her and eventually he helps her to over come her fears created by her first marriage. Once they are together and truly married the issue of children renews Gerard's fears of loosing the woman he loves the way he lost Emily in child birth.
Together they overcome there fears and heal one another finding true happiness they were lacking in there previous lives.
I loved this everyone should read it! for me this is the epitome of a romance novel
This has just been added to my list of all time favorites! I love Isabelle and Gerard's relationship they were extremely passionate characters there interactions and dialog were well written I loved everything about them. They both came into a convenient marriage jaded and with there own flaws there marital issues were realistic, no petty bs drama!
Gerard married Isabelle to technically stay single, he thought he was "in love" with his childhood sweetheart Emily, who he neglected and she marries another man, she becomes pregnant with Gerard's child... he is completely happy with there relationship and marries Isabelle to keep all of the husband hunters away. Isabelle's first marriage was a disaster she married too young to a man who didn't return her affection, and while they had a reasonably civil marriage which ended in her husband dying in a duel fought over his lover, the experience left her scarred and gave her a serious aversion to future marriages. Isabelle takes a string of lovers who she cares for and remains faithful to for the duration of the affair, which she always ends when her lover gets to attached.... Gerard and Isabelle marry and continue there own personal love lives until Emily dies in child birth, Gerard is grief stricken and runs off to find himself he disappears for 4 years trying to remake himself into a decent person.
He only returns when he hears the horrible gossip being spread about Isabelle, gossip that is partially because of his absence. When he returns he finds a surprising spark between Isabelle and himself that was not previously there. Isabelle is reluctant to fall into bed with her husband for fear of being hurt the way she was in her first marriage. Gerard pursues her and eventually he helps her to over come her fears created by her first marriage. Once they are together and truly married the issue of children renews Gerard's fears of loosing the woman he loves the way he lost Emily in child birth.
Together they overcome there fears and heal one another finding true happiness they were lacking in there previous lives.
I loved this everyone should read it! for me this is the epitome of a romance novel
January 25, 2014
En realidad 3.5... tiene algunos temas que flojean mucho, pero teniendo en cuenta que mi motivo para leerlo es el erótico, ofrece lo que promete.
Por eso, en mi opinión la historia de amor es floja, pero a nivel erótico-histórico está bastante bien...
De todas formas es muy entretenido, son libros bastante cortos y escritos de una forma muy ágil.
Tiene una historia paralela, que me hubiera gustado ver más desarrollada... pero bueno...
Por eso, en mi opinión la historia de amor es floja, pero a nivel erótico-histórico está bastante bien...
De todas formas es muy entretenido, son libros bastante cortos y escritos de una forma muy ágil.
Tiene una historia paralela, que me hubiera gustado ver más desarrollada... pero bueno...
May 20, 2013
**4 1/2 stars**
I swear, the more historical romances i read the more and more i'm finding i love them!! Stiiiillll, not an overly huge fan of the lingo...i mean...a man's smalls..really?...what the heck are smalls?...men's underwear?...can we not just say underwear? or if we want it to be more formal maybe undergarments? Oh well, small nitpick but i thinking i'm coming to understand what it is exactly that i'm loving about this genre! Not only are the men very alpha male and swoon worthy but they're also just soooooo romantic!! Holy cow are they EVER!!
I think Sylvia Day might have been my very first introduction into historical romances with Seven Years to Sin and even though i enjoyed it, i wasn't so sure at the time if i'd ever continue with this genre but over a year later and with a few other HRs under my belt, i've decided that this is INDEED a genre that is quickly moving up the ranks as a favorite, and after reading my second by her, i am SO hoping that she writes more...they're fun and sexy (more like HOT!!) and again, so sweet and romantic! Lovers of historical romances won't want to miss out on this one!
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