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A Forbidden Love #1
Innocence
Forced to flee her father's brutal heir, Anneliese Barlow masquerades as Lisa Brown, a servant, in the grand country mansion of the Duke of Worthington. Discovering the life of gentility she had known was a virtual fairy-tale, reality a dark and forbidding place, she faces danger at every turn.
Captivated by the beautiful maid, the Marquis of Marsden, decides the only way to keep her safe is by offering her his protection. With all hopes of returning to her previous station lost, Lisa surrenders her virtue to the man she has come to love.
Finding unexpected passion in Nathaniel's arms, Lisa's senses are awakened to a world of sensuality she had not known existed . . . a world not without grave risks. If her identity is uncovered, Lisa's innocence won't be the only thing that's lost.
Set in England in 1831, Innocence tells a captivating tale of a young woman's journey from naivety to less-than-blissful enlightenment. An epic romance, Innocence's many twists will keep you turning the page until the very satisfying ending.
Captivated by the beautiful maid, the Marquis of Marsden, decides the only way to keep her safe is by offering her his protection. With all hopes of returning to her previous station lost, Lisa surrenders her virtue to the man she has come to love.
Finding unexpected passion in Nathaniel's arms, Lisa's senses are awakened to a world of sensuality she had not known existed . . . a world not without grave risks. If her identity is uncovered, Lisa's innocence won't be the only thing that's lost.
Set in England in 1831, Innocence tells a captivating tale of a young woman's journey from naivety to less-than-blissful enlightenment. An epic romance, Innocence's many twists will keep you turning the page until the very satisfying ending.
270 pages, ebook
Published September 17, 2013
About the author
Elise de Sallier
10 books51 followersElise began her lifelong obsession with the romance and paranormal genres when she was far too young to be reading either. After more than thirty years of marriage to her very own romantic hero, she now knows great relationships don't just happen, they take work . . . which doesn't mean writing about them can't be a whole lot of fun!
Elise likes to see her characters grow, experience passion and adventure, tackle some difficult issues, and find lasting love . . . eventually.
Elise likes to see her characters grow, experience passion and adventure, tackle some difficult issues, and find lasting love . . . eventually.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 14, 2013
CURRAN'S REVIEW
4.4 ON THE MASQ SCALE
Okay, usually when I give a book 4+ I love it pretty much from the beginning. This book, Innocence, I adore now that I’ve finished. I really, really loved it starting about mid-way, liked it a third of a way in, pretty much rolled my eyes and thought, “Oh no” the first 50 pages. Why? The heroine, Annaliese Barlow, is INNOCENT with a capital, I for I don’t believe it. Innocent of carnal knowledge, innocent of what a brothel is, innocent of what happens to the downstairs help if they are born so poor they have to sell themselves to eat. But our Annaliese is so innocent, even for her times, that it would have more believable if she were an eggplant come to life instead of a nineteen year-old country aristocrat. She doesn’t know what sex entails, at all. I found myself thinking, “She grew up in the country and never ever was told, or overheard, or freaking figured out for herself what sex was (man parts go into lady parts, dear girl)?” I mean, this girl is so sheltered, she’s lying in bed nude with a naked man who is fully aroused, a man who has just licked and nibbled and stroked every part of her, and she has no idea what that huge pulsing ‘thing’ he has is. Or what he’s going to do with it. HA. "Also, the opening scene of the book is horrific, dramatic, and shocking, causing our Lisa to inhale, throw her delicate shoulders back, hide her amazing red hair under a hat and think, “Oh my gosh, I have to get away, before this man who murdered my father, stole my house and is going to rape me (not that I know what that is) grabs me.”
BUT BUT BUT. But, and let me say this loud, Elise De Sallier (there is no better name for a Regency romance writer on the face of the earth than this!) redeems this book, redeems our heroine, Lisa, redeems her hero, the very patient, articulate and well-endowed Marquis of Marsden with great sexual tension, lovely, well-rounded and compelling personal growth on the heroine’s part, and plot twists and big emotional, wonderful payoffs that will have a reader cheering.
So gentle readers, put up with the slow start. Stop shaking your head at Lisa’s dumb duck act, and don’t give up in disgust at the arrogance so eloquently stated by our hero when he (about 20 times) smugly explains 19th century aristocracy’s views on how worthless the reputation, lives and usefulness of those not born to the manor are. Because in the end, Innocence will satisfy, and Elise De Sallier will be a mainstay on your bookshelf if she continues to deliver such clever and delicious plots.
4.4 ON THE MASQ SCALE
Okay, usually when I give a book 4+ I love it pretty much from the beginning. This book, Innocence, I adore now that I’ve finished. I really, really loved it starting about mid-way, liked it a third of a way in, pretty much rolled my eyes and thought, “Oh no” the first 50 pages. Why? The heroine, Annaliese Barlow, is INNOCENT with a capital, I for I don’t believe it. Innocent of carnal knowledge, innocent of what a brothel is, innocent of what happens to the downstairs help if they are born so poor they have to sell themselves to eat. But our Annaliese is so innocent, even for her times, that it would have more believable if she were an eggplant come to life instead of a nineteen year-old country aristocrat. She doesn’t know what sex entails, at all. I found myself thinking, “She grew up in the country and never ever was told, or overheard, or freaking figured out for herself what sex was (man parts go into lady parts, dear girl)?” I mean, this girl is so sheltered, she’s lying in bed nude with a naked man who is fully aroused, a man who has just licked and nibbled and stroked every part of her, and she has no idea what that huge pulsing ‘thing’ he has is. Or what he’s going to do with it. HA. "Also, the opening scene of the book is horrific, dramatic, and shocking, causing our Lisa to inhale, throw her delicate shoulders back, hide her amazing red hair under a hat and think, “Oh my gosh, I have to get away, before this man who murdered my father, stole my house and is going to rape me (not that I know what that is) grabs me.”
BUT BUT BUT. But, and let me say this loud, Elise De Sallier (there is no better name for a Regency romance writer on the face of the earth than this!) redeems this book, redeems our heroine, Lisa, redeems her hero, the very patient, articulate and well-endowed Marquis of Marsden with great sexual tension, lovely, well-rounded and compelling personal growth on the heroine’s part, and plot twists and big emotional, wonderful payoffs that will have a reader cheering.
So gentle readers, put up with the slow start. Stop shaking your head at Lisa’s dumb duck act, and don’t give up in disgust at the arrogance so eloquently stated by our hero when he (about 20 times) smugly explains 19th century aristocracy’s views on how worthless the reputation, lives and usefulness of those not born to the manor are. Because in the end, Innocence will satisfy, and Elise De Sallier will be a mainstay on your bookshelf if she continues to deliver such clever and delicious plots.
December 9, 2017
Oh, my. Where to begin?
This historical fiction offering reminds me of the old-school romance novels that my mom read in the 70's and 80's (which I read in the late 80's and early 90's!), where the "leading man" is a clueless jerk that treats the female character like a plaything. This may sound harsh. But that's how I see a guy who, for a good portion of the book, treats a woman like an object that is only "good enough" to be his mistress. And protesting "but- but that was the way rich folks did things back then!" is just a flimsy excuse.
The characters are pretty one dimensional, thus making the plot and events very cliche and easy to predict. You know this ending will happen because of the genre- historical romance. Again, because this resembles so many other books (the lord/maid-as-mistress seduction, the secret identity, the Ruined Woman), it's pretty forgettable.
This historical fiction offering reminds me of the old-school romance novels that my mom read in the 70's and 80's (which I read in the late 80's and early 90's!), where the "leading man" is a clueless jerk that treats the female character like a plaything. This may sound harsh. But that's how I see a guy who, for a good portion of the book, treats a woman like an object that is only "good enough" to be his mistress. And protesting "but- but that was the way rich folks did things back then!" is just a flimsy excuse.
The characters are pretty one dimensional, thus making the plot and events very cliche and easy to predict. You know this ending will happen because of the genre- historical romance. Again, because this resembles so many other books (the lord/maid-as-mistress seduction, the secret identity, the Ruined Woman), it's pretty forgettable.
December 23, 2013
Did you ever read a Barbara Cartland novel? I've read more than I can count, loved them. Innocence, by Elise de Sallier, is in the same genre, historical romance, with a lot of action. And I loved it just as much as those novels.
Innocence is aptly named. Lisa is incredibly naive and has no clue what most of the things that Nathaniel mentions he wants to do with, and to, her are. She's sheltered, as were all of the girls of that time frame. I loved that she went to a maid to find out just what some of that stuff meant. At the time she was working as a maid, too. And that was an eye-opening experience. The servants of the time worked long hours for little pay and even less time off. It certainly gave her a deeper look into how her world ran.
I wanted to smack Nathaniel. He gave her choices...but none of them were really good ones. It's all in the tone, you know? And he played Lisa like a harp. She gave in to the one choice that he wanted her to take...and she was honest enough to acknowledge that she wanted it, too. Even though she had little idea of what was involved.
Nathaniel, though, learns from his errors. I like that in my heroes. And he does get that smack, not literally, but well enough: "...his knees buckled..." Yes, that was a great moment in the last few pages of the book.
There are steamy scenes in Innocence, as Nathaniel teaches her about herself. The scenes were love scenes, not flat-out erotica. I liked that very much. As did Lisa!
This book really is full of the things that I read historical romances for: Innocent maiden, gorgeous hero, steamy scenes, and at least the start to an HEA.
Innocence is the first book in a two part series. The ARC ended rather abruptly, but the book itself gives us the first chapter of book two. Lisa and Nathaniel's story continues, and I'm looking forward to getting those few loose ends tied up.
Well done, Ms. de Sallier! This is a great first novel!
*Thank you, NetGalley and TWCS, for the opportunity to read Innocence
This review, and others, can be seen at my blog: www.firstpagetothelast.com
Innocence is aptly named. Lisa is incredibly naive and has no clue what most of the things that Nathaniel mentions he wants to do with, and to, her are. She's sheltered, as were all of the girls of that time frame. I loved that she went to a maid to find out just what some of that stuff meant. At the time she was working as a maid, too. And that was an eye-opening experience. The servants of the time worked long hours for little pay and even less time off. It certainly gave her a deeper look into how her world ran.
I wanted to smack Nathaniel. He gave her choices...but none of them were really good ones. It's all in the tone, you know? And he played Lisa like a harp. She gave in to the one choice that he wanted her to take...and she was honest enough to acknowledge that she wanted it, too. Even though she had little idea of what was involved.
Nathaniel, though, learns from his errors. I like that in my heroes. And he does get that smack, not literally, but well enough: "...his knees buckled..." Yes, that was a great moment in the last few pages of the book.
There are steamy scenes in Innocence, as Nathaniel teaches her about herself. The scenes were love scenes, not flat-out erotica. I liked that very much. As did Lisa!
This book really is full of the things that I read historical romances for: Innocent maiden, gorgeous hero, steamy scenes, and at least the start to an HEA.
Innocence is the first book in a two part series. The ARC ended rather abruptly, but the book itself gives us the first chapter of book two. Lisa and Nathaniel's story continues, and I'm looking forward to getting those few loose ends tied up.
Well done, Ms. de Sallier! This is a great first novel!
*Thank you, NetGalley and TWCS, for the opportunity to read Innocence
This review, and others, can be seen at my blog: www.firstpagetothelast.com
October 5, 2013
Unlike many, I'm not normally a fan of period drama / fiction, but I have to say that 'Innocence' by Elise de Sallier succeeded in immersing me in the world of England under the rule of William IV - the late Regency / early Victorian era. It also made me research the politics of the time, including the Reform Act, which I doubt many 'romantic' novels could do!
In this story we follow Anneliese Barlow, a young woman fleeing from her father's attacker, Lord Copeland - a rogue of the highest order intent on marrying her. She seeks sanctuary in the home of the Duke of Worthington - one of her father's friends - and falls in love with Nathaniel Stanton, the Marquis of Marsden - and the Duke's son. Their relationship is not without complications, however, not least because Anneliese has had to assume the role of servant in the Duke's home in order to remain hidden...
Elise de Sallier keeps the reader captivated with her detailed descriptions of places and people, as well as her use of language - she switches between the colloquialisms of the local 'commoners' to the speech between the Lords and Ladies with ease. We're given a history lesson or two, also, particularly in the circumstances that women of all classes found themselves at the time. No mean feat!
Anneliese (known as 'Lisa' throughout the story) is truly innocent - but then I imagine this is probably the way women really were at the time. Nathaniel comes across as a 'bit of a cad' to start with, but when things come to a head it's clear he's actually being quite truthful - and is as bound as Annaliese by the strictures of the time.
As for the story itself: I wouldn't want to give you any spoilers, particularly since I've been fortunate enough to read an advance copy of this book. All I can say is that Elise de Sallier's attention to detail, love of all things romantic, and ability to move from romance to suspense is a wonderful surprise. I'm looking forward to the sequel!
In this story we follow Anneliese Barlow, a young woman fleeing from her father's attacker, Lord Copeland - a rogue of the highest order intent on marrying her. She seeks sanctuary in the home of the Duke of Worthington - one of her father's friends - and falls in love with Nathaniel Stanton, the Marquis of Marsden - and the Duke's son. Their relationship is not without complications, however, not least because Anneliese has had to assume the role of servant in the Duke's home in order to remain hidden...
Elise de Sallier keeps the reader captivated with her detailed descriptions of places and people, as well as her use of language - she switches between the colloquialisms of the local 'commoners' to the speech between the Lords and Ladies with ease. We're given a history lesson or two, also, particularly in the circumstances that women of all classes found themselves at the time. No mean feat!
Anneliese (known as 'Lisa' throughout the story) is truly innocent - but then I imagine this is probably the way women really were at the time. Nathaniel comes across as a 'bit of a cad' to start with, but when things come to a head it's clear he's actually being quite truthful - and is as bound as Annaliese by the strictures of the time.
As for the story itself: I wouldn't want to give you any spoilers, particularly since I've been fortunate enough to read an advance copy of this book. All I can say is that Elise de Sallier's attention to detail, love of all things romantic, and ability to move from romance to suspense is a wonderful surprise. I'm looking forward to the sequel!
January 15, 2014
I found elise on fanfiction.com after a rec of one of her fics and I can safely say I've been there since day one of Forbidden Love. I witness how her story developed and her characters grew on you and feel as if they were real. Although I might understand this period of time it doesn't mean I like the closed minded people, especially Nathaniel, of how he thinks he can treat Lisa differently from when he thought she was a servant to being a lady. I don't blame Elise because she had her facts down to a T and was loyal to this era, but I blame Nathaniel and I think Lisa should make him work for it and make him understand that she's the same Lisa (servant or Lady) that he can treat her the same even if she's his wife.
I can't wait for the next book!
and can't wait to hear Michael and Eleanor story, because honestly I can picture how this woman is and how Michael feels about this woman.
I can't wait for the next book!
and can't wait to hear Michael and Eleanor story, because honestly I can picture how this woman is and how Michael feels about this woman.
March 25, 2014
I love the characters.. The twists are unexpected..
I love the way Lisa express the rights of woman, that should be respected. Her bravery to express her opinions.
This book tells:
how strong a woman can be.
how does society judge our action
how rank measures up in our society
Happily ever after exist :D
I love the way Lisa express the rights of woman, that should be respected. Her bravery to express her opinions.
This book tells:
how strong a woman can be.
how does society judge our action
how rank measures up in our society
Happily ever after exist :D
January 7, 2014
*Alert: Spoilers abound.
I received an e-copy of this book as an advanced reading copy and had high expectations for a fun period romp. However, with flat characters and unrealistic dialogue, this just fell rather flat for me.
Anneliese, Lisa, Barrow witnesses her father being shot by a man who wants to marry her and, essentially, use her as a prostitute to pay his gambling debts. Real winner. To avoid marrying this charmer she runs to the estate of a friend of her father's but due to some poor timing has to pose as a servant in his household until he returns from his honeymoon. It doesn't seem at all likely that this could be passed off, especially given that our main character is a bit of an automaton - she's just to stiff that I didn't believe it. I felt like the author was trying too hard to make her "innocent" when, for me, it translated into stupid and beyond naive. Lisa has absolutely zero street smarts and it doesn't fit that she could pass as a servant at all, but wait! There's another impossible plot development! The son of the Lord she's seeking happens to fall madly in love with her, of course. They ensue on a relationship. She thinks she has no other options now that her father is believed dead and agrees to be his mistress. Which totally makes sense because just a few chapters prior she was so "innocent" that she didn't understand why it hurt the footman so badly when she kneed him in the groin for coming on too strong (a tip taught to her at some point along the way), as though she has no clue what a penis even is. Maybe she doesn't. But the leap to agreeing to become a mistress and now we have these steamy sex scenes just didn't work. It was contrived and unbelievable.
There are some more twists and turns, lovers scorned, secrets revealed, etc., etc.. The novel actually does have a decent plot to it and I liked the twist at the end with the complicated family history - that does seem like a genuine period detail. the problem was the plot wasn't enough to keep me interested because the characters were just so flat. You knew that Lisa and Nathaniel would end up together because that's how these stories go, not because I understood that their development would lead them there or that their characters were truly in love.
Another thing that I think really needed work was the framing of the piece, I hated the beginning and then it just ended in the middle of a conversation. I think by starting a bit sooner, we'd have a better chance to see the character develop. It seemed like the author was trying to create some tension and drama by starting out the way she did, but paired with the awkward dialogue, it didn't have the desired effect. Similarly, the ending just seemed like it left things hanging rather than actually giving a resolution which kind of irritated me.
*Edited to add: Since writing this review I've learned that this is the first in a possible trilogy, which explains for the hanging ending. Personally though I still don't care for a hanging ending quite this severe, it literally ended in the middle of a scene. It left no closure to the plot or characters. I don't think that splitting a story into parts and publishing them should count as a trilogy - why not just write a fully rounded out novel that can either stand on its own, or if it is a piece of a series, be strong enough as a piece of the whole that it will entice readers to pursue the next book based on merit rather than by leaving things incomplete - doing it like this is like you have no other device to get the reader to continue so you cut things in the middle of the scene so they'll want to pick up with the next book.
Overall I think its an interesting concept, but there were too many missed chances to make it a really good novel. Too bad, because with a bit more detail I think it could have been much better.
I received an e-copy of this book as an advanced reading copy and had high expectations for a fun period romp. However, with flat characters and unrealistic dialogue, this just fell rather flat for me.
Anneliese, Lisa, Barrow witnesses her father being shot by a man who wants to marry her and, essentially, use her as a prostitute to pay his gambling debts. Real winner. To avoid marrying this charmer she runs to the estate of a friend of her father's but due to some poor timing has to pose as a servant in his household until he returns from his honeymoon. It doesn't seem at all likely that this could be passed off, especially given that our main character is a bit of an automaton - she's just to stiff that I didn't believe it. I felt like the author was trying too hard to make her "innocent" when, for me, it translated into stupid and beyond naive. Lisa has absolutely zero street smarts and it doesn't fit that she could pass as a servant at all, but wait! There's another impossible plot development! The son of the Lord she's seeking happens to fall madly in love with her, of course. They ensue on a relationship. She thinks she has no other options now that her father is believed dead and agrees to be his mistress. Which totally makes sense because just a few chapters prior she was so "innocent" that she didn't understand why it hurt the footman so badly when she kneed him in the groin for coming on too strong (a tip taught to her at some point along the way), as though she has no clue what a penis even is. Maybe she doesn't. But the leap to agreeing to become a mistress and now we have these steamy sex scenes just didn't work. It was contrived and unbelievable.
There are some more twists and turns, lovers scorned, secrets revealed, etc., etc.. The novel actually does have a decent plot to it and I liked the twist at the end with the complicated family history - that does seem like a genuine period detail. the problem was the plot wasn't enough to keep me interested because the characters were just so flat. You knew that Lisa and Nathaniel would end up together because that's how these stories go, not because I understood that their development would lead them there or that their characters were truly in love.
Another thing that I think really needed work was the framing of the piece, I hated the beginning and then it just ended in the middle of a conversation. I think by starting a bit sooner, we'd have a better chance to see the character develop. It seemed like the author was trying to create some tension and drama by starting out the way she did, but paired with the awkward dialogue, it didn't have the desired effect. Similarly, the ending just seemed like it left things hanging rather than actually giving a resolution which kind of irritated me.
*Edited to add: Since writing this review I've learned that this is the first in a possible trilogy, which explains for the hanging ending. Personally though I still don't care for a hanging ending quite this severe, it literally ended in the middle of a scene. It left no closure to the plot or characters. I don't think that splitting a story into parts and publishing them should count as a trilogy - why not just write a fully rounded out novel that can either stand on its own, or if it is a piece of a series, be strong enough as a piece of the whole that it will entice readers to pursue the next book based on merit rather than by leaving things incomplete - doing it like this is like you have no other device to get the reader to continue so you cut things in the middle of the scene so they'll want to pick up with the next book.
Overall I think its an interesting concept, but there were too many missed chances to make it a really good novel. Too bad, because with a bit more detail I think it could have been much better.
March 19, 2019
The cover and title are so intriguing but I really misunderstood what the title was meaning here. After reading the book, the plot and situations were very strange for me.
Anneliese or Lisa was forced to flee her home when a terrible man, Lord Richard Copeland, suddenly shot her father. He wanted to marry her but prostitute her out to his "friends." What an awesome guy!
"You must flee to Worthington Hall, Anneliese. he said between rasping breaths. Before that devil returns for you." This was her father's warning that she go to the only trusted person, Lord Thomas Stanton, Duke of Worthington. The duke lived far away but with the help of servants, Lisa was able to reach his home. Once Lisa arrived at the Dukes home, she discovered that he was away on his honeymoon and wouldn't be expected for a long while. In order to conceal her identity, she posed as a servant in the duke’s home. By working as a cleaning maid, she caught the eye of the male persons staying in the home. One being, the Marquis or Duke's son, Nathaniel Marsden.
2 weeks after arriving at the Duke's estate, Lisa knows that Nathaniel wants to start a relationship with her but she is skeptical. Her reputation would be ruined. She doesn't dare tell him who she is but can everything be blamed on her Innocence?
I found the theory that Innocence was Lisa's down fall troubling. I really didn't buy it. She had choices in this book but she claimed...always, that she didn't and that she didn't understand what was happening until it happened. It became annoying.
This book does not follow proper etiquette of the day. It is far from being historically accurate, or close to it. If this bothers you, you would not like this book. In fact, the truth of what would have happened is stretched to fit here. Also, the part when the characters meet with the King far surpasses what I would call accurate. Author took many, many liberties with her book. The King was particularly strange for me.
When the ending comes Lisa says, "Lord Marsden pursued me, not the other way around. He offered me his protections, and I accepted. The only thing I am guilty of is naivete, as I had no idea what was involved." I so called BS when I read this. She knew, she could have asked even more questions than she already did. She could have said no, she could have taken him into her confidence or something but to claim no responsibility for her part in her down fall was lame.
What's ironic, is she was proposed to by an evil man who wanted to whore her out but she ended up setting herself up as a whore. Given, he talked her into it and he made it all sound very pretty and a good set up for her but it wasn't her best option.
By the end of the book, I found Lisa too dumb to live. She was insipid, annoying and stubborn when she had no room for it. Let her fall on her face! That's what I really wanted to see. The little tart needed to fail but no we have to have a nice bow wrapped HEA.
Overall, I found the ending to be too long. I also wondered how Lisa survived life. Maybe that's why she was so attached at her father's hip. Truly scary. Here, innocence was taken to the extreme. "Lisa had to be the victim of ignorance and circumstances for long enough." Ugh! "It is time to take charge of her destiny and secure for Nathaniel and herself their very own happily ever after." So she can do this but she can't save herself from ruin and despair. After reading all that, there is a cliffhanger. I won't be continuing on in the series. Author writes in a very repetitive manner. Read at your own risk.
Content: moderate language, sexual situations, mild violence.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Anneliese or Lisa was forced to flee her home when a terrible man, Lord Richard Copeland, suddenly shot her father. He wanted to marry her but prostitute her out to his "friends." What an awesome guy!
"You must flee to Worthington Hall, Anneliese. he said between rasping breaths. Before that devil returns for you." This was her father's warning that she go to the only trusted person, Lord Thomas Stanton, Duke of Worthington. The duke lived far away but with the help of servants, Lisa was able to reach his home. Once Lisa arrived at the Dukes home, she discovered that he was away on his honeymoon and wouldn't be expected for a long while. In order to conceal her identity, she posed as a servant in the duke’s home. By working as a cleaning maid, she caught the eye of the male persons staying in the home. One being, the Marquis or Duke's son, Nathaniel Marsden.
2 weeks after arriving at the Duke's estate, Lisa knows that Nathaniel wants to start a relationship with her but she is skeptical. Her reputation would be ruined. She doesn't dare tell him who she is but can everything be blamed on her Innocence?
I found the theory that Innocence was Lisa's down fall troubling. I really didn't buy it. She had choices in this book but she claimed...always, that she didn't and that she didn't understand what was happening until it happened. It became annoying.
This book does not follow proper etiquette of the day. It is far from being historically accurate, or close to it. If this bothers you, you would not like this book. In fact, the truth of what would have happened is stretched to fit here. Also, the part when the characters meet with the King far surpasses what I would call accurate. Author took many, many liberties with her book. The King was particularly strange for me.
When the ending comes Lisa says, "Lord Marsden pursued me, not the other way around. He offered me his protections, and I accepted. The only thing I am guilty of is naivete, as I had no idea what was involved." I so called BS when I read this. She knew, she could have asked even more questions than she already did. She could have said no, she could have taken him into her confidence or something but to claim no responsibility for her part in her down fall was lame.
What's ironic, is she was proposed to by an evil man who wanted to whore her out but she ended up setting herself up as a whore. Given, he talked her into it and he made it all sound very pretty and a good set up for her but it wasn't her best option.
By the end of the book, I found Lisa too dumb to live. She was insipid, annoying and stubborn when she had no room for it. Let her fall on her face! That's what I really wanted to see. The little tart needed to fail but no we have to have a nice bow wrapped HEA.
Overall, I found the ending to be too long. I also wondered how Lisa survived life. Maybe that's why she was so attached at her father's hip. Truly scary. Here, innocence was taken to the extreme. "Lisa had to be the victim of ignorance and circumstances for long enough." Ugh! "It is time to take charge of her destiny and secure for Nathaniel and herself their very own happily ever after." So she can do this but she can't save herself from ruin and despair. After reading all that, there is a cliffhanger. I won't be continuing on in the series. Author writes in a very repetitive manner. Read at your own risk.
Content: moderate language, sexual situations, mild violence.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2013
Original review here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2013/12/book-review-innocence-forbidden-love-1.html
Innocence is a story that follows a young woman named Anneliese. Anneliese is forced to leave the comfort of her family and home when tragedy strikes her father. She has no other choice, but to run and save herself or else she will be married to a man that has every intention on marrying her and using her family's fortune. Anneliese becomes Lisa and now works at a slave with a Duke that keeps his staff safe. Problem is, the Duke is not in town. Lisa is about to learn things about the world she never thought she would. One of those things comes from a man named Nathaniel who makes her feel things she knows she has never felt and isn't sure she should. Lisa must keep on the run, but it may be more difficult due to her feelings for Nathaniel.
This was quite the enjoyable read. de Sallier has such a great style. It was very addictive. I couldn't put the book down. I love how detailed it was, she really knows her Victorian era. I also love how much we get to learn of the characters and what they had to deal with given the time they live in. Lisa was an interesting lead. She was innocent, I mean INNOCENT! Her knowledge of sex and the world in general was the equivalent of a three year old's. It was honestly scary and quite unbelievable. So it was interesting watching Lisa learn new things about the world, both the good and the bad. This was quite the journey since I wasn't sure how much I liked Lisa at first. She needed a little spine and this definitely helped her. de Sallier did such a great job demonstrating the struggles of Lisa and other young women in that era.
I was hooked on this book from page one. The plot was very intriguing. It does slow down a bit after the beginning, but it was mainly so we can learn about Lisa. I loved the connection between Lisa and the other servants she had to work with especially Ruth who has such a sad story. We slowly see Lisa's eyes opening about how little she knew about girls less privileged than her. I also loved the suspense and mystery of this story as well. No one can know who Lisa really is because the man that wants to marry her, Lord Copeland, is still out there. Her father told her not to trust anyone and she won't. But it is very difficult. I really loved Nathaniel. At first, I did want to punch him because of his attitude at times, but that quickly changed. I am definitely in love.
I am being very careful with this. There is quite the twist in this book, so I am going to tread lightly. I don't read a lot of historical romances and I am so happy I decided to grab this one. de Sallier really knows how to grab your attention. Innocence was very addictive and engaging. Even if historical romances aren't your thing, I would still tell you to read this book. You will love it.
Innocence is a story that follows a young woman named Anneliese. Anneliese is forced to leave the comfort of her family and home when tragedy strikes her father. She has no other choice, but to run and save herself or else she will be married to a man that has every intention on marrying her and using her family's fortune. Anneliese becomes Lisa and now works at a slave with a Duke that keeps his staff safe. Problem is, the Duke is not in town. Lisa is about to learn things about the world she never thought she would. One of those things comes from a man named Nathaniel who makes her feel things she knows she has never felt and isn't sure she should. Lisa must keep on the run, but it may be more difficult due to her feelings for Nathaniel.
This was quite the enjoyable read. de Sallier has such a great style. It was very addictive. I couldn't put the book down. I love how detailed it was, she really knows her Victorian era. I also love how much we get to learn of the characters and what they had to deal with given the time they live in. Lisa was an interesting lead. She was innocent, I mean INNOCENT! Her knowledge of sex and the world in general was the equivalent of a three year old's. It was honestly scary and quite unbelievable. So it was interesting watching Lisa learn new things about the world, both the good and the bad. This was quite the journey since I wasn't sure how much I liked Lisa at first. She needed a little spine and this definitely helped her. de Sallier did such a great job demonstrating the struggles of Lisa and other young women in that era.
I was hooked on this book from page one. The plot was very intriguing. It does slow down a bit after the beginning, but it was mainly so we can learn about Lisa. I loved the connection between Lisa and the other servants she had to work with especially Ruth who has such a sad story. We slowly see Lisa's eyes opening about how little she knew about girls less privileged than her. I also loved the suspense and mystery of this story as well. No one can know who Lisa really is because the man that wants to marry her, Lord Copeland, is still out there. Her father told her not to trust anyone and she won't. But it is very difficult. I really loved Nathaniel. At first, I did want to punch him because of his attitude at times, but that quickly changed. I am definitely in love.
I am being very careful with this. There is quite the twist in this book, so I am going to tread lightly. I don't read a lot of historical romances and I am so happy I decided to grab this one. de Sallier really knows how to grab your attention. Innocence was very addictive and engaging. Even if historical romances aren't your thing, I would still tell you to read this book. You will love it.
February 12, 2014
Have you ever read one of those books where once you get into it, you can’t put it down? Meals, work and even family become annoying distractions that take you away from reading? Well, Innocence is one of those books. I literally brought it with me to go shopping and read it in the parking lot and even the checkout line.
Right from the start you have an intense encounter that sends Anneliese Barlow fleeing for her life. Once she becomes Lisa Brown, for her own safety, she is open to a world that she never knew, that of a servant. Unfortunately, she encounters further danger, but is saved by the handsome and charismatic Lord Marsden. And even though his father’s household rules dictate that there is no fraternizing with the help, Nathaniel can’t help but be drawn to Lisa’s uncommon beauty and grace, so unusual for someone of her station. He can no longer deny his intense attraction to Lisa (and her returned feelings) and offers her protection by making her his mistress. And then you find out how truly “innocent” she is.
While in this day and age it’s difficult to comprehend a girl of nineteen to be this lacking in knowledge of anything sexual, at the time (and I found out in even more recent years), ladies of the gentry were kept extremely sheltered. In fact, I’ve heard of real life incidents where very intelligent woman got married and went to their marriage bed completely clueless as to what went where. This is pretty much where Lisa’s knowledge is before she experiences her sexual awakening with Lord Marsden.
The intensity between Lisa and Nathaniel is undeniable, palpable and scrumptious. Everything I look for in a romance, historical or modern. But add to that the wonderful details in manner, speech and dress and you feel transported to another time.
I’m so anxious to read Protection, the next installment (which is due in the Spring), to see how this love story continues!
Right from the start you have an intense encounter that sends Anneliese Barlow fleeing for her life. Once she becomes Lisa Brown, for her own safety, she is open to a world that she never knew, that of a servant. Unfortunately, she encounters further danger, but is saved by the handsome and charismatic Lord Marsden. And even though his father’s household rules dictate that there is no fraternizing with the help, Nathaniel can’t help but be drawn to Lisa’s uncommon beauty and grace, so unusual for someone of her station. He can no longer deny his intense attraction to Lisa (and her returned feelings) and offers her protection by making her his mistress. And then you find out how truly “innocent” she is.
While in this day and age it’s difficult to comprehend a girl of nineteen to be this lacking in knowledge of anything sexual, at the time (and I found out in even more recent years), ladies of the gentry were kept extremely sheltered. In fact, I’ve heard of real life incidents where very intelligent woman got married and went to their marriage bed completely clueless as to what went where. This is pretty much where Lisa’s knowledge is before she experiences her sexual awakening with Lord Marsden.
The intensity between Lisa and Nathaniel is undeniable, palpable and scrumptious. Everything I look for in a romance, historical or modern. But add to that the wonderful details in manner, speech and dress and you feel transported to another time.
I’m so anxious to read Protection, the next installment (which is due in the Spring), to see how this love story continues!
December 17, 2013
As the only child of Sir George, Anneliese “Lisa” Barlow would be penniless upon her father’s death. At just nineteen, Lisa believes there is plenty of time to find a husband. When her father’s heir, Lord Copeland, becomes desperate for his inheritance, he shoots Sir George and demands Lisa become his wife. Lisa would never doom her future with a husband the likes of Copeland, so she flees to an estate of a family friend, Lord Thomas Stanton, Duke of Worthington. The Duke has left on a honeymoon with his second wife when she arrives and Lisa is forced to work as a maid in disguise. When the Duke’s eldest son, Nathaniel, takes a liking to Lisa, things get a tad scandalous.
This novel seems more like that of a seasoned historical romance novelist than a debut. The knowledge of the time period and customs is breathtakingly accurate. Ms. de Sallier’s portrayal of Lisa and her struggle to understand the world that was taking shape around her was brilliant and a thrill to experience. All the differences between Nathaniel and Lisa are quite evident from the start, but Ms. de Sallier’s depiction of their attraction and intimacy make them perfect for each other.
I devoured the 313-page copy I received in one day. I don’t even recall the last time enjoyed reading a book of that length and read so incredibly fast. I highly recommend this book to any historical romance lover. If you enjoy the novels of Rose Gordon or Christine Merrill, Innocence should be the next book on your to be read list.
Thank you to Elise de Sallier, The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House, and The Masquerade Crew for an advanced reader's copy of Innocence in exchanged for an honest review.
This novel seems more like that of a seasoned historical romance novelist than a debut. The knowledge of the time period and customs is breathtakingly accurate. Ms. de Sallier’s portrayal of Lisa and her struggle to understand the world that was taking shape around her was brilliant and a thrill to experience. All the differences between Nathaniel and Lisa are quite evident from the start, but Ms. de Sallier’s depiction of their attraction and intimacy make them perfect for each other.
I devoured the 313-page copy I received in one day. I don’t even recall the last time enjoyed reading a book of that length and read so incredibly fast. I highly recommend this book to any historical romance lover. If you enjoy the novels of Rose Gordon or Christine Merrill, Innocence should be the next book on your to be read list.
Thank you to Elise de Sallier, The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House, and The Masquerade Crew for an advanced reader's copy of Innocence in exchanged for an honest review.
February 8, 2014
As historical romances go this one was far from average. No idealized reality or ignoring the true trials of the era, as is the norm.
That does present its own long list of challenges. Mainly that yes women were powerless and abused and not treated well. Also marriage was not possible between a commoner and member of the royal family, no matter the romantic connection.
To me this was a breath of fresh air, since the tendency to idealize these historical periods bothers me. I enjoy the stories anyway, but at the back of my mind I know they are pure fantasy.
But for readers who want the perfect romantic story where love conquers all...the hero is willing to sacrifice everything for love from page 1...and the heroine is above the social realities...This is probably not for you. Because while the story does get there eventually it does so in a round about manner.
The only part the irked me about this representation of the period was the level of ignorance about sex that the virgin female protagonist had in the first part of the book.
A more literal innocence without the theoretical ignorance might have been more believable. Most women would have speculated and imagined and tried to figure out what people meant with their sexual innuendo even though they were not supposed to know. Maybe even asked questions given the chance, which she had.
And The fantastical secret of her ancestry towards the end was over the top...but necessary for a happy ending.
Yet, I found the book very enjoyable even with those issues.
That does present its own long list of challenges. Mainly that yes women were powerless and abused and not treated well. Also marriage was not possible between a commoner and member of the royal family, no matter the romantic connection.
To me this was a breath of fresh air, since the tendency to idealize these historical periods bothers me. I enjoy the stories anyway, but at the back of my mind I know they are pure fantasy.
But for readers who want the perfect romantic story where love conquers all...the hero is willing to sacrifice everything for love from page 1...and the heroine is above the social realities...This is probably not for you. Because while the story does get there eventually it does so in a round about manner.
The only part the irked me about this representation of the period was the level of ignorance about sex that the virgin female protagonist had in the first part of the book.
A more literal innocence without the theoretical ignorance might have been more believable. Most women would have speculated and imagined and tried to figure out what people meant with their sexual innuendo even though they were not supposed to know. Maybe even asked questions given the chance, which she had.
And The fantastical secret of her ancestry towards the end was over the top...but necessary for a happy ending.
Yet, I found the book very enjoyable even with those issues.
February 21, 2014
Anneliese 'Lisa' Barlow thought she had lots of time to find a husband but Lord Copeland visits and shoots her father leaving Copeland to inherit everything, including Anneliese. Actually he becomes her guardian and wants to marry her to get her jewels. Lisa wants no part of this so she flees to an estate of a family friend, Lord Thomas Stanton, Duke of Worthington as her father told her to do before he was shot. She makes the trip with friends and has disguised herself as a commoner. When she get there, she learns the Duke has left on a honeymoon with his second wife Lisa is forced to work as a maid in disguise until he returns. Lisa meets the Duke’s son, Nathaniel, who takes a fancy to her and makes her his mistress, no knowing who she really is.
The character development was excellent. While Nataliel starts out being less than perfect in the way be is so class conscious, he turns out to be a good guy. Lisa is wonderful. The author did an amazing job of convincingly switching Lisa from a wealthy upper class lady to a servant. The details of the time period and the 'innocence' of women of that time was impressive. The difference between the treatment of wives and mistresses by men was brought into the story giving details and history lessons easily.
The attention to detail helped the reader picture the various parts of the home including the kitchen area. I was surprised by the romance and loved it. The last few chapters were shocking to me and I loved them!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes historical romance.
I won this book in a giveaway.
The character development was excellent. While Nataliel starts out being less than perfect in the way be is so class conscious, he turns out to be a good guy. Lisa is wonderful. The author did an amazing job of convincingly switching Lisa from a wealthy upper class lady to a servant. The details of the time period and the 'innocence' of women of that time was impressive. The difference between the treatment of wives and mistresses by men was brought into the story giving details and history lessons easily.
The attention to detail helped the reader picture the various parts of the home including the kitchen area. I was surprised by the romance and loved it. The last few chapters were shocking to me and I loved them!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes historical romance.
I won this book in a giveaway.
March 13, 2014
Being an amateur writer, I know how hard it is to create a story and put it out there for dissection by readers. A writer hopes that their readers will simply enjoy what has been written. Also being British, I know a fair bit about the Regency era in which our protagonists dwell. Well-brought up girls just didn't know the facts of life, or the real hardships out there for the lower classes. Conventions of the time, plus intolerance and cruelty in political and social life, repressed people of all classes, particularly women. Women were still chattels to be bartered to better family advantage.
With that backdrop, we are drawn into the innocent, threatened and then erotic drama which enfolds us and wills us on to see how Anneliese can extricate herself from a life with invisible chains. Social convention dictates that she chooses one of several evils. She must draw strength to steel herself for inevitable disappointments ahead.
Innocence is a good, solid climb towards a climax which we eventually know will come in a sequel, which I can't wait to read.
Innocence goes on to be more than just its namesake. I found myself rooting for Anneliese when the odds are against her, and also at times, to give Nathaniel a kick up the bum for being such a numpty when driven by his sexual desires. A man of money could have it all back in Regency days. I want a HEA but know that it won't be that easy! Love is but a dream. Or is it.....?
With that backdrop, we are drawn into the innocent, threatened and then erotic drama which enfolds us and wills us on to see how Anneliese can extricate herself from a life with invisible chains. Social convention dictates that she chooses one of several evils. She must draw strength to steel herself for inevitable disappointments ahead.
Innocence is a good, solid climb towards a climax which we eventually know will come in a sequel, which I can't wait to read.
Innocence goes on to be more than just its namesake. I found myself rooting for Anneliese when the odds are against her, and also at times, to give Nathaniel a kick up the bum for being such a numpty when driven by his sexual desires. A man of money could have it all back in Regency days. I want a HEA but know that it won't be that easy! Love is but a dream. Or is it.....?
April 11, 2014
I have read this story so many times and each time I fall in love with it more. The strength Anneliese has to overcome everything that happened to her in her era makes her my hero, because what those woman had to face is enough of a reason to suicide, but she overcomes her fears making her such a strong and fierce character. She is an outstanding role model in times where women were worth nothing. She made her opinions known and stood up for woman, no matter the punishment. Her stength made a difference and helped liberate woman from the wrath of men. I loved how Nathanial is so enthrawled in her inner and outer beauty that he is willing to loose it all and his determination is nearly his downfall. There are so many praises for this book, how her father loved her enough to show her how to defend herself, going against customs and beliefs to ensure his daughters safety. Her mothers and fathers love and strength was surely passed down to her and served as a great inspiration for her. But what I loved the most in this book is the love Lisa and Nathanial had for each other, willing to scarifice anything to save the other. I again was not expecting the twist of who she really was and what it meant. I loved this story when you first wrote it and I love it even more now and will charish this book dearly. I can't wait to read the next. I have always and will always love your stories. Thank you for sharing these stories with us. Love a dedicated fan. '-)Narcy
February 26, 2014
Annaliese has lived in a simple way beside her father, he has been to protective over her, for this reason she is extremely innocent and this is very dangerous for her.
When the heir of her father tries to force her to marry him, she must flee and seek help at the mansion of the Duke of Worthington, when she arrives he is in the honeymoon, Anneliese is forced to work as a maid.
Meanwhile, Duke's son falls in love for her and she belongs. The relationship is tender, full of passion and develops slowly, no love express.
The book deals with the social differences between classes and different yardsticks men and women.
I really enjoyed the character development of Anneliese and Nathaniel. The love story of these two characters is very intense and emotional, I loved it so I recommend the book.
When the heir of her father tries to force her to marry him, she must flee and seek help at the mansion of the Duke of Worthington, when she arrives he is in the honeymoon, Anneliese is forced to work as a maid.
Meanwhile, Duke's son falls in love for her and she belongs. The relationship is tender, full of passion and develops slowly, no love express.
The book deals with the social differences between classes and different yardsticks men and women.
I really enjoyed the character development of Anneliese and Nathaniel. The love story of these two characters is very intense and emotional, I loved it so I recommend the book.
April 25, 2014
What can I say about this book! I loved it. Annaliese is a woman of noble birth who finds herself working as a servant and hiding out from a man who would marry her to steal her dowry. What happens next is a series of events destined to change many lives. I love period pieces to start with, am reading this authors fan fiction work in that area also, so wanted to give this book a chance. I ended up reading day and night non-stop. The writing is simple and direct, all the while being also descriptive and engaging. The characters are 3 dimensional and eminently diverse and believable. I fell in love with the 2 principal characters and grew very invested in their outcome. I can't wait for the next book of the series. Highly recommended!!
March 4, 2015
I really enjoyed this debut historical romance, in which a young girl from a good family must hide and work as a servant after the evil heir to her family’s estate shoots her father to gain his inheritance early. As a servant, she meets and falls in love with the lovely Lord Marsden, who is a bit of a cad but sweet enough that you forgive him all his improper advances. There’s a significant twist at the end, so I’m looking forward to the sequel to find out what happens.
March 13, 2014
Formerly the Twilight fanfic Forbidden Love by TwiloverSue.
December 15, 2013
I received an ARC copy curtesy of the author and Netgalley. I could not put this book down. Innocence was well written and engaging. I enjoyed the mystery, suspense, and hot love scenes that are not in many historical romance novels. Great start to a new series. Highly recommended.
December 27, 2013
Wow what a story... Fabulous work........
December 7, 2014
I loved it! It captivated me from the beginning to the end. Can't wait to read book 2!
December 31, 2013
Great romance story- love the innocence angle.
August 11, 2016
Great story- throughly enjoyed.
August 5, 2014
Well firstly, it's no secret that I LOVE anything to do with history, and secondly, it's also a badly kept secret that I have a serious 'thing' for men in floaty shirts, tight breeches and a mop of aristocratic hair. Yep, you've got it, I've got it real bad for Regency men just like Mr Darcy in his wet shirt..... Well, at least I did until dear old Nathaniel came along, and boy did he knock Darcy off his perch! In fact, our author knocked many things off their perches during her fabulously compulsive book. Let me elucidate further as there were so many things I LOVED (capitals completely necessary) about this book that I had to make a list as I was reading so I didn't forget things. Needless to say, Nathaniel, aka the delightfully cheeky Lord Marsden is on there multiple times.
Elise de Sallier has written an absolutely AMAZING storyline. I'm often disappointed by Regency Romance books as they regularly fail to stick to societal norms of the time, or even the basic history, but our author manages this with incredible panache. The story line, as summarised above, contains intrigue, drama, romance, and many other aspects which are all weaved together with great skill and lots of twists and turns. It's incredibly well done and I truly believe it is this which makes this book so brilliantly addictive to read. Honestly, I stayed up many nights well past my bedtime reading into the wee small hours on more than one occasion!
Another thing that needs mentioning (again) are the characters. I've already suggested that I have developed an unhealthy obsession with Nathaniel (he's starred in my dreams many a time since finishing this book). He's the perfect society gentleman, in public, but in the bedroom, well, he's quite the little charmer! I shan't say any more, but honestly, he's the most captivating character I've read in a while. And then we have his partner in crime, his other half, Lisa (Anneliese) or Miss Brown as he seems to prefer. A very innocent, naive young women from the middling levels of society forced to run because if the incredibly repulsive Lord Copeland. Lisa is such a fabulous character to read. She's a damsel in distress, but one with a lot more sass about her than your average kind. She's full of determination and strength, which was delightful to read and really pulled you into her plight. You got behind her, much like you would a character in your favourite tv show, and it's great to see a book do this. As a side night, they're fabulous together, and watching them develop was pure delight in a book.
Second side note, that sort of leads onto my next thing I need to say, 'cause things just keep popping into my head, it was excellent to read a book from this time period which avoids all the obvious Austen traps. There's honestly nothing worse than reading an author of this genre trying to be Austen, but Elise de Sallier completely avoids this. Everything in this story is completely unique, I've honestly never read anything like it, and it was delightfully refreshing for me. It's incredibly imaginative in the ways it portrays the norm for both sexes, as well as the dramatic flair and tweaks, but they all make it so darned interesting to read!
Finally, I have to finish by making it perfectly clear, just in case you didn't get the gist, I ADORED this book. It's incredibly difficult to put down, so I have to warn you, make sure you have the next book ready to go straight onto it, because it's so darned hard to wait even the few seconds it takes to load.
Review first posted as part of a mini feature on Lily Loves Indie, for which an ARC was provided in return for an honest review - http://lilylovesindie.co.uk/?p=477
Elise de Sallier has written an absolutely AMAZING storyline. I'm often disappointed by Regency Romance books as they regularly fail to stick to societal norms of the time, or even the basic history, but our author manages this with incredible panache. The story line, as summarised above, contains intrigue, drama, romance, and many other aspects which are all weaved together with great skill and lots of twists and turns. It's incredibly well done and I truly believe it is this which makes this book so brilliantly addictive to read. Honestly, I stayed up many nights well past my bedtime reading into the wee small hours on more than one occasion!
Another thing that needs mentioning (again) are the characters. I've already suggested that I have developed an unhealthy obsession with Nathaniel (he's starred in my dreams many a time since finishing this book). He's the perfect society gentleman, in public, but in the bedroom, well, he's quite the little charmer! I shan't say any more, but honestly, he's the most captivating character I've read in a while. And then we have his partner in crime, his other half, Lisa (Anneliese) or Miss Brown as he seems to prefer. A very innocent, naive young women from the middling levels of society forced to run because if the incredibly repulsive Lord Copeland. Lisa is such a fabulous character to read. She's a damsel in distress, but one with a lot more sass about her than your average kind. She's full of determination and strength, which was delightful to read and really pulled you into her plight. You got behind her, much like you would a character in your favourite tv show, and it's great to see a book do this. As a side night, they're fabulous together, and watching them develop was pure delight in a book.
Second side note, that sort of leads onto my next thing I need to say, 'cause things just keep popping into my head, it was excellent to read a book from this time period which avoids all the obvious Austen traps. There's honestly nothing worse than reading an author of this genre trying to be Austen, but Elise de Sallier completely avoids this. Everything in this story is completely unique, I've honestly never read anything like it, and it was delightfully refreshing for me. It's incredibly imaginative in the ways it portrays the norm for both sexes, as well as the dramatic flair and tweaks, but they all make it so darned interesting to read!
Finally, I have to finish by making it perfectly clear, just in case you didn't get the gist, I ADORED this book. It's incredibly difficult to put down, so I have to warn you, make sure you have the next book ready to go straight onto it, because it's so darned hard to wait even the few seconds it takes to load.
Review first posted as part of a mini feature on Lily Loves Indie, for which an ARC was provided in return for an honest review - http://lilylovesindie.co.uk/?p=477
August 11, 2014
I originally read Elise deSallier's books Innocence and Protection as a fan fiction under the title Forbidden Love on FanFiction.net. Because I am always enamored by Regency-era books (even before I read Jane Austen), I was immediately drawn into Elise's story of a shy eighteen-year-old girl who is forced to escape when her father's heir comes to claim his inheritance by shooting her father. The heir then plans to force the girl to marry him, but under her father's direction, she flees with two servants to the home of her father's best friend, a powerful duke who can ensure her safety.
However, the duke just left the previous day for an extended honeymoon with his new wife, and the girl is forced to masquerade as a servant in order to stay in the duke's home. As her father told her to reveal her true identity only to the duke himself, the girl believes that she will be safe as the duke enforces an unusual policy against fraternization with servants, a rarity in this time and place. Thus the girl believes that she will be safe until the duke's return. But then the duke's son sees her and is immediately drawn to her despite her servant status and despite his father's firm policy against such fraternization. Thus this story continues....
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Innocence and Protection, but I must raise a caveat that there are graphic scenes depicting intimate acts which can be easily skipped over if reading such scenes is problematic.
I enjoyed the original fan fiction so much that I read it three times, and now to read this tale as a published pair of novels is a real treat. The characters are unforgettable, the plot compelling, and the writing well-developed and polished. I prefer the plot of Innocence more than that of Protection, but both novels together tell the lovely story of a young, frightened, innocent girl rising to the occasion as she is caught up in intrigue of various sorts. Both books also deal with important social situations of the British Regency era as well: the abolition of the slave trade and the plight of young girls forced into untenable situations, either by employers or by slave traders of a different sort.
Thus, this pair of novels (and they must both be read together; they are not stand-alone novels) go beyond mere romance to explore the social situation of women of different classes in the Regency era. While the romance is the main story line of books, the issues of marriage, power, class, and women's social position create a compelling and memorable tale that will not be soon forgotten.
However, the duke just left the previous day for an extended honeymoon with his new wife, and the girl is forced to masquerade as a servant in order to stay in the duke's home. As her father told her to reveal her true identity only to the duke himself, the girl believes that she will be safe as the duke enforces an unusual policy against fraternization with servants, a rarity in this time and place. Thus the girl believes that she will be safe until the duke's return. But then the duke's son sees her and is immediately drawn to her despite her servant status and despite his father's firm policy against such fraternization. Thus this story continues....
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Innocence and Protection, but I must raise a caveat that there are graphic scenes depicting intimate acts which can be easily skipped over if reading such scenes is problematic.
I enjoyed the original fan fiction so much that I read it three times, and now to read this tale as a published pair of novels is a real treat. The characters are unforgettable, the plot compelling, and the writing well-developed and polished. I prefer the plot of Innocence more than that of Protection, but both novels together tell the lovely story of a young, frightened, innocent girl rising to the occasion as she is caught up in intrigue of various sorts. Both books also deal with important social situations of the British Regency era as well: the abolition of the slave trade and the plight of young girls forced into untenable situations, either by employers or by slave traders of a different sort.
Thus, this pair of novels (and they must both be read together; they are not stand-alone novels) go beyond mere romance to explore the social situation of women of different classes in the Regency era. While the romance is the main story line of books, the issues of marriage, power, class, and women's social position create a compelling and memorable tale that will not be soon forgotten.
December 23, 2013
3.5 stars
Innocence - the very word - is not a mere title to this story; it also paints the very traits of the heroine, Anneliese/Lisa. Hard for us modern girls to imagine going through life not knowing nothing of what happened between men and women; still, in those days, innocence and naivete were not unheard of, and the 'talk' happened just prior to or even after wedding vows had been exchanged. Not hard for me to grasp this part of the plot and find it credible since even in recent times, many girls from traditionalist societies still carry that same naivete and innocence that Lisa displays centuries earlier from our times.
I guess the thing that most struck me and kinda stuck across my throat is the whole double standards aspect. There's the rich and the poor, full stop. A man shags his mistress, a whore, or a courtesan, but his wife is not a 'woman for that kind of things' - she needs to be made love to, gently and courteously. There's the very unheard-of spin in this story where the mistress can become the wife, once all secrets are revealed, and suddenly the hero is appalled at what he has done with this girl and vows never to treat her that way again. Why? Because he found out she has a title? Because he'll marry her? As I said, this stuck across my throat....
But all this being said, see the mastery of Ms de Sallier here, because she gets her reader to see the very real and flawed picture of society from both shores - the rich and the poor, shores that should never, ever touch, let alone meet. That one of the rich topples down into the world of the poor provides such an eye-opening journey through the plot, and this in turn, makes the story even richer.
The romance was a tad hard to accept at first, mainly, I suppose, because of Lisa's total innocence. But she and Nathaniel grow on you, and you cheer for them. Then you're also cheering on Lisa because that dreadful Lord Copeland is still after her, and he needs his just desserts....
I'll admit I didn't like the ending - I prefer to know when the ending is gonna be like pulling the rug under my feet.... This one reads a tad too abrupt, though I understand how the author might've wanted the reader to yearn for the next book.
A very good historical romance on the whole, quite eye-opening with a pronounced hint of Downton Abbey to the whole concoction.
Innocence - the very word - is not a mere title to this story; it also paints the very traits of the heroine, Anneliese/Lisa. Hard for us modern girls to imagine going through life not knowing nothing of what happened between men and women; still, in those days, innocence and naivete were not unheard of, and the 'talk' happened just prior to or even after wedding vows had been exchanged. Not hard for me to grasp this part of the plot and find it credible since even in recent times, many girls from traditionalist societies still carry that same naivete and innocence that Lisa displays centuries earlier from our times.
I guess the thing that most struck me and kinda stuck across my throat is the whole double standards aspect. There's the rich and the poor, full stop. A man shags his mistress, a whore, or a courtesan, but his wife is not a 'woman for that kind of things' - she needs to be made love to, gently and courteously. There's the very unheard-of spin in this story where the mistress can become the wife, once all secrets are revealed, and suddenly the hero is appalled at what he has done with this girl and vows never to treat her that way again. Why? Because he found out she has a title? Because he'll marry her? As I said, this stuck across my throat....
But all this being said, see the mastery of Ms de Sallier here, because she gets her reader to see the very real and flawed picture of society from both shores - the rich and the poor, shores that should never, ever touch, let alone meet. That one of the rich topples down into the world of the poor provides such an eye-opening journey through the plot, and this in turn, makes the story even richer.
The romance was a tad hard to accept at first, mainly, I suppose, because of Lisa's total innocence. But she and Nathaniel grow on you, and you cheer for them. Then you're also cheering on Lisa because that dreadful Lord Copeland is still after her, and he needs his just desserts....
I'll admit I didn't like the ending - I prefer to know when the ending is gonna be like pulling the rug under my feet.... This one reads a tad too abrupt, though I understand how the author might've wanted the reader to yearn for the next book.
A very good historical romance on the whole, quite eye-opening with a pronounced hint of Downton Abbey to the whole concoction.
May 22, 2014
I read a lot of historical romances (the adult ones), so I got rather excited at finding this. It sounded just like the romances I'd read, but it's YA. In my opinion there are not enough YA historical romances out there. And I really like the era, so I guess that's one reason I read plenty of historical adult romances.
The novel started out very strong and I was happy with that. The entire plot kept me riveted, always curious to know what would happen next. It was a nice, fun, cute romance and I'm super happy I read this.
Innocence could easily be five stars had it not been for the characters. Annalise, aka Lisa, was innocence personified. And that's fine, but it was to the point of annoyance. When everyone have her to those warnings about submitting to her future husband and letting him find pleasure, they should have told her what said pleasure was! She had zero idea what "laying with a man" means, and what exactly happens in the marriage bed.
As for Nathanial, I'll be honest and say he's kind of a selfish ass when it came to her. He did redeem himself toward the end, though.
From the summery of book two, it sounds like it's written in his POV, so I am really excited to go and start it and find out if it is or not. And to see him redeem himself more so then I can really be a fan of him.
Overall, nice romantic read with a great back story. The lies and secrets are a wonderful background to the romance.
The novel started out very strong and I was happy with that. The entire plot kept me riveted, always curious to know what would happen next. It was a nice, fun, cute romance and I'm super happy I read this.
Innocence could easily be five stars had it not been for the characters. Annalise, aka Lisa, was innocence personified. And that's fine, but it was to the point of annoyance. When everyone have her to those warnings about submitting to her future husband and letting him find pleasure, they should have told her what said pleasure was! She had zero idea what "laying with a man" means, and what exactly happens in the marriage bed.
As for Nathanial, I'll be honest and say he's kind of a selfish ass when it came to her. He did redeem himself toward the end, though.
From the summery of book two, it sounds like it's written in his POV, so I am really excited to go and start it and find out if it is or not. And to see him redeem himself more so then I can really be a fan of him.
Overall, nice romantic read with a great back story. The lies and secrets are a wonderful background to the romance.
May 1, 2014
This book was just wow.
Annelise Barlow, not a commoner but not quite royalty (well, so SHE thinks and we do too, for a while....)has to flee her home for her own safety, because of an ill-intended heir of her fathers. Annelise goes to Worthington to seek refuge with her Father's friend, the Duke, but he is away on his honeymoon when she arrives.
SO, she masquerades as a servant, and by way of protecting her own safety, ends up becoming the mistress of the Marquis (the Duke's son).
I will stop here because to go any further would give away too much to anyone that hasn't read the book.
I don't normally read books set in this time period and reason number being because of how they people talk. I have found if I read a book set in the past, I often talk that for days. No joke.
But the vernacular in this book is wonderful. It is totally understandable and the author doesn't over do it, to any extent, at all.
And then there's the romance. It got so hot at times, I wanted to go find a priest and confess. No joke.
If you haven't read this...........READ IT. If you like historical fiction, regency romance, ROMANCE.....you will love this book and the one that follows it.
Annelise Barlow, not a commoner but not quite royalty (well, so SHE thinks and we do too, for a while....)has to flee her home for her own safety, because of an ill-intended heir of her fathers. Annelise goes to Worthington to seek refuge with her Father's friend, the Duke, but he is away on his honeymoon when she arrives.
SO, she masquerades as a servant, and by way of protecting her own safety, ends up becoming the mistress of the Marquis (the Duke's son).
I will stop here because to go any further would give away too much to anyone that hasn't read the book.
I don't normally read books set in this time period and reason number being because of how they people talk. I have found if I read a book set in the past, I often talk that for days. No joke.
But the vernacular in this book is wonderful. It is totally understandable and the author doesn't over do it, to any extent, at all.
And then there's the romance. It got so hot at times, I wanted to go find a priest and confess. No joke.
If you haven't read this...........READ IT. If you like historical fiction, regency romance, ROMANCE.....you will love this book and the one that follows it.
December 10, 2013
There are certainly elements of the writing of this book that are heavy-handed in the descriptions. Thinking that Lisa could no NOTHING about marriage or sex seems a bit unlikely, but I'm willing to go with it. Overall, I love and adore this book! Lisa's and Nathaniel's relationship is unconventional which makes for an interesting plot development and outside the norm of a typical romance novel set in this time.
Part of me does not want to read the next book in this series, I felt that it was coming to a neat close and then SMACK! The end with no conclusion! What else could be coming next? I want to know but at the same time the author made it clear that the relationship between Lisa and Nathaniel was in for a major overhaul now that they were to be married; I'm not sure if I want to stick around for that as I liked it as it is now in this book.
The slightly heavy-handedness mixed with the unsatisfactory ending, a few rushed scenes leading to the end of the book, and some unbelievable camaraderie with the echelons of nobility made me give this book a 3 star instead of a 4 or 5.
Part of me does not want to read the next book in this series, I felt that it was coming to a neat close and then SMACK! The end with no conclusion! What else could be coming next? I want to know but at the same time the author made it clear that the relationship between Lisa and Nathaniel was in for a major overhaul now that they were to be married; I'm not sure if I want to stick around for that as I liked it as it is now in this book.
The slightly heavy-handedness mixed with the unsatisfactory ending, a few rushed scenes leading to the end of the book, and some unbelievable camaraderie with the echelons of nobility made me give this book a 3 star instead of a 4 or 5.
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