Folly

Noble Passions #5

by Sabrina York

Widowed and threatened with penury by her heartless in-laws, Eleanor—Lady Ulster—hatches a plot to save herself. Determined to produce the Ulster “heir”, she seduces a stranger at a tawdry masquerade. Little does she know, this magnificent masked lover is none other than her husband’s greatest nemesis. And God knows Ulster had plenty.

Ethan Pennington is mortified to arrive at a house party and discover Lady Ulster in attendance. He has wanted her and hated wanting her—his enemy’s bride—for years. When he overhears Eleanor’s predicament and her plans to place a cuckoo in the Ulster nest, he is more than willing to oblige. The opportunity to finally claim her—while taking the revenge he craves—is more than he can resist. Ethan strikes a bargain with Eleanor, promising to provide her with the heir she so desperately needs…if she will meet his needs in return. Every decadent one of them.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Regency, Erotica, BDSM, Novella

119 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2012

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling Romance Author

To check out coming books visit www.sabrinayork.com

Amazon Page: amazon.com/author/sabrinayork
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SabrinaYorkBooks
Twitter: @sabrina_york

Reviews

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly just erotic love scenes, so 3 stars for the level of heat. Fortunately, the plot required that the hero and heroine have a lot of sex (and they're mostly outside of the bedroom!), so I didn't get bored like I am right now while reading Book 4 (Defiant) in this series.

[Talltree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smutty historical romance between scarred beast of H and likeable h. The sex scenes were creative and erotic. From first sight of h , H is adorably obsessed!! I found this a hot, sweet and enjoyable read.



Safety: Safe romance.
H used to be a rake years back, now he is scarred and women shun him. He also had to work for decades to get back his wealth, H and his father suffered a lot from h's dead hubby.

h is a widow. her evil husband whipped her and the smex wasn't enjoyable with him at all

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Sabrina York book that I could not put down. I really need to read these books slower...

Ok, back to the book. I'm not a big historical romance reader. Not sure why, but the genre doesn't tickle my fancy. So it takes a lot for me to enjoy a historical romance and I absolutely adored "Folly." I was sucked in from the first chapter. Might have been a hot interlude between a masked Ethan and Elenore that sucked me in. Yes, I'm easy that way. :) From that point on, the book just got hotter.

The characters were a riot. Elenore has been through a lot of crap from her late husband and now from his family, but she's still has spunk and fights Ethan toe to toe. Ethan, on other hand, tries to be gentle with her. I loved that. And the fact that he instantly knows that she was his mystery woman from the party. Yum. The chemistry between these two was off the charts. Let's not forget James and Helena. Yeah... Between the two couples, I'd be surprised that there wasn't a room in the house (and a few outside) that hasn't been "blessed." :) If you catch my drift. *wink*

Thank you, Ms. York, for creating a new world of fun characters, hot sex, and witty banter. I enjoyed every moment of the book.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Victoria Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5* What a surprising read. It was hot, sexy and funny. Eleanor is a widow with no son, and because of this, the title of her husband would pass on to someone else and she could be turned out. So she plots to get herself pregnant. What ensues is a one-night-stand with Ethan…or should I say a tryst during a masquerade ball. Ethan wants to see her again but she stands him up in their next meeting. My heart broke for him because he waited for her in Hyde Park, holding a rose and she never came.
Anyway, they meet again during a common friend's house party not knowing that one was the other at the masquerade ball. All Ethan sees is that Eleanor is the widow of the man who had ruined him and his family. What ensues may be considered too raunchy for a historical romance, but it's erotica after all. Ethan is such a dirty talker. Loved the humor and the secondary characters.

[Ana (O Mundo Encantado dos Livros) · Rating 3 out of 5]

PT/ENG

Apesar de ainda desconhecida em Portugal, Sabrina York foi para mim uma grande surpresa. A autora, que tem já alguns sucessos lançados na sua carreira, apresenta um toque muito especial na sua história. Divertido, dinâmico e sensual, estes são os três adjectivos que me vêm à cabeça para qualificar este livro. Apesar de pequeno (apenas com 119 páginas), mostra que a autora possui enormes qualidades na forma como vai criando empatia entre o leitor e as suas personagens, isto acontece numa altura em que é se torna complicado sobreviver entre tantos livros eróticos, o que mostra uma coragem por parte de Sabrina York, que tenta a sua sorte e cria uma história que, mesmo não se tratando de algo inovador, vai enredando por caminhos misteriosos que apenas nos vai aguçando a vontade de continuar a ler e descobrir o que vai acontecer a seguir.
A história é bastante simples, tem um enredo muito semelhante àquele que estamos já habituados em grandes autores como Emma Wildes ou Cheryl Holt, mas o que a torna especial e única acaba por ser a falta de elementos que muitas vezes tornam uma história fantástica em uma história enfadonha e, na minha opinião, a autora fez a escolha acertada em apenas conter aquilo que realmente interessava para o andamento da história.
Em relação às personagens, gostei particularmente do Ethan! O típico ”alfa male”, habituado a que todas as mulheres se ajoelhem aos seus pés e que de repente conhece alguém que o consegue “domar”. Achei muito divertida a cena em que ele apanhou Charles a beijar Eleonor no jardim, foi magnífica…Eleonor é a típica protagonista que no início aparenta ser fraca, mas que aos poucos mostra a sua garra. Achei que ambos faziam um par excelente.
Agora, apenas fiquei curiosa acerca da história de Helena e James…estas autoras são umas marotas! É por isso e por ter gostado tanto deste livro que vou querer continuar a ler mais livros desta autora. Parabéns Sabrina York, ganhaste mais uma fã.

http://viv-omundoencantadodoslivros.b...

Still unknown to Portuguese readers, Sabrina York was, for me, a wonderful surprise. The author, who has several books published, is gifted in the way she writes her stories. Fun, dynamic and sexy, these are the first three adjectives that come to my mind to qualify this book. The 119 pages are all that it takes for the author to show her quality on the way she creates empathy between the reader and her characters. I think Sabrina has a lot of courage to try her luck and create a story which is no longer an innovation, but she takes mysterious ways that only increases the reader curiosity to keep reading and discover what will be happening next.
The story is simple and glamorous at same time, with a plot similar to other great authors like Emma Wildes and Cheryl Holt, but it becomes special and unique because it doesn’t have a lot of fillers that sometimes destroy great stories. So, in my opinion, the author has made a great choice by telling us only what mattered in order to continue the story.
About the characters, Ethan was my favorite. The typical alpha male, who loves to see women on his feet and one day he meets someone you can finally tame him. I enjoyed the scene where he finds Charles kissing Eleanor, it was so funny to see how angry he was… Eleanor, whose character was so week at the beginning, slowly shows what she can do for her happiness. They make a great couple.
In the end, I stayed curious about James and Helena…there authors are so naughty!!! For that and for liking this book so muck I want to read another book by Sabrina York. Congratulations, you have another fan.

http://viv-omundoencantadodoslivros.b...

[LoveYourShelf (LAB☺) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty darn good historical novella. I do like historicals but I don't typically like novellas or erotica (with some exceptions). Novellas are often too short to really develop a believable relationship but this one worked quite well. As far as the erotica part goes I did skim parts of this book, but it wasn't the book's fault. That was what it was supposed to be. Overall a very well written and enjoyable story.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I waited a really long time to read this book, but I made sure it never went too far off my radar, and I snapped it up as soon as it was available as I wanted it!

So glad I didn't forget, this was a fun, instant attraction, true love romp between two who should be enemies but realize they have more in common than they know

This whole series hit me in a happy way, and I'm glad I finally finished it!

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steamy, but unfortunately spoiled a bit by the totally implausible plot. Too many things happened that just didn't fit with the Regency time period. Ms. York does know how to write a good sex scene though, and since this book doesn't claim to be anything other than erotica it will garner 3 stars from me.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly engaging erotic historical. The language they use - Whoa! Please don't look for any plausible situations or hint of realism - you won't find it here and I was A-OK with that. Quick read - perfect when you need a little something to pass the time in an entertaining and provocative fashion.
This was my first read by the author - I will definitely try more of her work.

[Jen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I've read from Sabrina York and it blew me away! Kept my attention through the whole story and moved along at just the right pace - telling secrets without holding on to them too long and making me laugh in all the right places. Can't wait to read the next one!

[Christy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

FollyNot all men are bad, You just have to find the right one.

[NhaughtyV says Damn the Zon Save the Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I just couldn't put down! Was reading past my bedtime and may be guilty of sneaking a read at work! Smokin' hawt and already I'm greedy for more! Highly recommend!

[LOU71 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Folly is the fifth book in the Noble Passions series. This historical novella is a well-paced erotic romance. Worthy of an entertainingly passionate quick read.

Dark Fancy: 4 stars: James & Helena (I especially liked the story)
Dark Duke: 4+ stars: Edward & Kaitlin (I especially liked the flirty banter)
Brigand: 3+ stars: Ewan & Violet (I especially liked the secondary characters)
Defiant: 2 stars: Ned & Sophia
Folly: 4- stars: Ethan & Eleanor (I especially liked the creative sexy times)

Eleanor Ulster is widowed and threatened with penury by her heartless in-laws. Eleanor makes a plan to save herself by seducing a stranger at a tawdry masquerade.

Ethan Pennington is strong, intense, and loyal. He overhears an unfortunate situation which gets his attention.

Ethan and Eleanor’s chemistry is intriguing from the first. Their attraction is believable and playful at times.

I recommend this as a fun and flirty read in this genre.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was as far as I know the last book in the series. It was a pretty good read but overall I have enjoyed this series and the variety.

The main characters in this book are Ethan and Eleanor. Eleanor is a widow from a marriage with a horrible man who abused her, but now that he's dead she needs an heir to secure the family fortune. Ethan makes a deal with Eleanor in order to help her do this but the two develop feelings for each other and in the end what would she rather? A secure life or a one of passion?

The secondary characters are those already mentioned in other books in the series.

The storyline is more like the first book in the series than the others but was still original. Mostly this series has just been a quick and easy read. The pacing was also good.

4 stars a great final book in the series.

[Cordelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My, My, My

What a loving and passionate story. I love to read historical romance for many reasons, but great sex is primary. From the very beginning the story sizzled. I could not get enough of reading about their love making. This story was by far the best in the Noble Passions books. I am in love.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you're craving a good menstrual wax candle masturbation scene, this is just the book for you! I tell you, I have never read anything in my life, like this. Shit was weird...

Also: Is the author unaware, that a pregnancy takes 9 months? if the guy is already dead, then she can't pass off any pregnancy as his. If there ever was a plothole the size of the moon, this would be it.

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read!!

Eleanor knows she has a few weeks to try and get pregnant to pass the child off as her dead husbands. But nothing could have
ever prepared her for the sight of Ethan Pennington, her deceased husband arch enemy. When he saw her he just wanted to punish her for what her bastard of a husband did to his family and him. An awesome story with a wonderful ending!!

[Gaele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been back and forth on this story - widowed and in dire circumstances, Eleanor wants to outwit her in laws and provide a sort of life for herself, even if in the clutches of the Dowager. With a horrid marriage behind her, and no heir to save her position, she's reduced to plotting a means to an end.

A masquerade ball full of lascivious acts and anonymity, she's decided to seduce a random man - any random man, with the intention of becoming pregnant and securing her place. What she never expected was the passion and connection she made with the man under the domino, in the secluded Folly on the great house's grounds.

Ethan Pennington has spent the past years in seclusion, rarely leaving his estates after a swordfight went amiss. The tempting morsel at the party is intriguing, and he cannot help but be enchanted with her reactions and her need. Imagine his surprise when, called to spend time at his best friend’s house for an extended party he comes face to face with a lovely small woman, one that his body can’t deny.

Back and forth Eleanor and Ethan tentatively explore the connection while Eleanor’s friend and host, Helena, is determined to find her a new husband. When Eleanor finally comes clean and explains the plan to secure her place to Ethan, they both learn of the dastardly behaviors that Ulster, Eleanor’s dead husband, wrought on the two of them.

With plenty of interference from house guests and the new heir to the Ulster title, who mistakenly believes he is entitled to his late cousin’s widow, as well as some near-discovery moments, the story stays tense throughout. Can Ethan give up the determination to exact revenge, and can Eleanor ever truly believe that a future (beyond fathering a child) is possible. York again uses wit, heat and clever heroines who aren’t afraid to take the reins to guide their own lives to tell their story. A wonderful wrap up to this clever historic series that uses the connections of a small group of friends and schoolmates as they find their happy endings.

I purchased a copy of the title for my own library with no expectations of review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

[AerinLuvs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very enjoyable historical (and erotic) romance novella!

This was my first Sabrina York book of any kind I've read and I was pleasantly surprised. It has all the elements of a traditional historical romance, sparkling dialogue, regency settings, house parties, butlers, the nosy ton, and greedy heir-apparents.

Eleanor, Lady Ulster, is in a difficult situation. She is the widow of Lord Ulster, who left everything entailed, and she will be destitute and thrown out of the house by the heir apparent (a nephew) unless she is pregnant with an heir. She decides to seduce a man at a masquerade ball (keeping her identity a secret) and become pregnant, and pass off this heir as the Ulster heir and thus ensure her own survival. Her marriage with the late Ulster was terrible, she was actually sold into marriage to him in order to pay off her father's gambling debts. So things go off without a hitch and she unexpectedly enjoys the encounter tremendously...she never knew what all the fuss was about before but now she knows!

Her best friend, Helena, who is married to Lord James Darlington (and who were apparently featured in a previous novella) is having a house party (that will last a month) and she wants to set up Eleanor with James' friend Haversham. She fails to inform Eleanor that an enemy of her late husband's was also invited, the Colonal Pennington.

Eleanor begins an erotic affair at this house party....that is all I'm going to reveal! The erotic scenes were very hot and descriptive (her lover is AMAZING), and Sabrina York knows how to write like a traditional regency author with the bonus of amazing erotic scenes!

Overall rating: 4 stars
Plot rating: 4 stars
Hero rating: 4 stars
Heroine rating: 5 stars
Erotic Tension rating: 3 stars
Erotic Scenes Descriptiveness: 5 stars, smoking hot
Erotic scenes frequency: 4?
Writing Style, Flow, Grammar: 5 stars
Denouement: 4 stars

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the first book in this series, Dark Fancy, on Negalley and received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Having honestly loved it, I immediately bought the rest of the series. This book is the fifth installment and revolves around Ethan and Eleanor. While neither of them have popped up earlier in the series, their dear friends in this book, Helena and James, are the hero and heroine from Dark Fancy. And, this book seems to be set just a few months after that first book.

In terms of where this book fits within the whole series arch, I would think you could read it as a stand alone novella, or, ideally, jump straight from Dark Fancy or the Dark Duke straight to Folly. Because there are no distractions from the entire Wyeth or McCloud families, as you get in the Dark Duke, Brigand, or Defiant, this book has the feeling of being historical erotica, rather than an historical romance novella. In that sense, it feels like a sequel to Dark Fancy, rather than the fifth book in the series. And, much like Dark Fancy, scenes include (but are not limited to) nude female/clothed male, creative uses for household items, menstruation, dom/sub situations, exhibitionism, tension building, and several others.

As with the entire series, the writing was, at times, a bit cheezy (globes for buttocks, pearls for a clitoris, etc), it is overall well done and wasn’t so cringe-worthy that it distracted the reader from the moment. And, I can only say that, like in Dark Fancy, the author’s sense of humor and abilities with character development shine in this book. I normally have a problem with novellas, and this book is only 119 pages, but you get enough plot for the schmexy time to feel justified, and, by the end, you feel like you really get to know everyone and are rooting for a happily ever after.

I would happily recommend this book to others and look forward to reading my by this author.

[bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been reading my way through a list of books where the heroine tries to get pregnant by another man , either by a husbands request or due to necessity, hence why I read this book.
It was ok. I didn't skip chapter or pages, but I'm not sure if I would re read it.
The heroine was in a horrible marriage and her husband passes away. She needs to get pregnant so she is not left penniless and defenseless against the heirs horrible advances. She goes to a Cyprians ball and meets a man and has relations in order to hopefully get pregnant, so she can pass the baby off as her deceased husbands. Later she attends a house party and meets the man that was her husbands sworn enemy. He ends up over hearing a conversation the heroine has with her friend, basically stating her reason why she needs a child. The hero shows himself and offers to help her, because he hated her husband and always secretly lusts after her.
They hook up and their relationship grows.
Heat level- somewhat steamy
Violence- fist cuff's

[Michelle Quintana · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the way the previous books ended, I did enjoy reading this book and was quite satisfied with the ending. Even though shorter than the other books, this ones still manages to pack a lot into the story. Eleanor is desperate to not be thrown out into the street and so she, along with her friend Helena, concoct a plan to keep that from helping. When that plan fails, Eleanor escapes to Helena's estate in the country for a birthday party. Ethan, who was an enemy of Eleanor's husband, also ends up at the same party. He is feeling down because his mystery lady Mignon never showed up to meet him. When Ethan overhears Eleanor and Helena's plan, he decides it is the perfect opportunity to get back at Ulster, even though he is dead. Neither one of them expected the chemistry and feelings to explode between them. I am rooting for both of them from beginning to end and was delighted when Ethan found his Mignon right away, even though she doesn't know it is him until the end.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

For everyone who thinks there's no such thing as historical erotic romance, there's "Folly."

"Folly" is a short read, but York packs a lot of story into her book. Eleanor embarks on an affair with Ethan in an effort to get pregnant so that she can retain her claim to her recently deceased husband's estate.

So yes it's an HR...the setting, the clothes, the social mores that dictate Ellie's need to keep her home. However, the characters' thoughts, feelings, and actions are very contemporary in their outlook, so there's some jarring dissonance in several places.

There's nothing too heavy or terrible here, and Ethan and Ellie are wonderful together. It's a very sweet fluff of a story, but it makes for some steamy reading!

[E Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Noble Passion Series is wonderful!!

Totally love this series, it is fantastic. So enjoyable to read in an evening. It is one you will pick up and not want to put down. The steamy interludes and fun chemistry between Eleanor and Ethan is so enjoyable to read.
Each book in this series has been fun, hot, and so enjoyable. The characters are so much fun to read about. Good friends, heroes and heroines with evil nemesis that make a good story. Sabrina York did a great job with this series, I would recommend any of the books in this series for an entertaining read.

[Lorraine Brattin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Ethan and Eleanor is mesmerizing.

You had me from the beginning. My heart actually hurt after reading of Ulster's treatment of his widow Eleanor. Then the dashing Ethan takes front and center as Eleanor sees the masked Ethan and asks him to get her pregnant.

What Ethan doesn't know is that she is the widow of his most hated enemy. The man who has scarred his face during a duel. A great love story ensued. With some of the hottest love scenes. I wish there were more stories to the series, I could go on reading this for days.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I read this book in one day I know once I start trading York books I will never get no sleep nor peace of mind until I am finish. And she never disappointed me yet and I have read all books in this series. You Mrs York are amazing and I love your books. Well like I said you work can become addicted but it's a habit I will forever have as long as you keep writing. Blessing to you and your house. D.H. from New York City P.s. no I will not give away any book I deem wonderful so you will have to read her work to find out why I feel the way I do.

[Suszet Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved

Words cant express how much I enjoyed this book. Eleanor is left destitute upon the death of her husband, in order to secure her future she must have get with child immediately and pass him of as her late husband heir. She meets Ethan at a masquerade and the fireworks start. Little did she know that this was more than a chance encounter as they would cross paths again. Will she allow herself to be seduced and reach for a bit of happiness or will she allow society to dictate her moves.

[Liz Meldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first experience with Sabrina York, and I really enjoyed her writing style. Even though the book itself is quite short, you really feel the connection between the characters. Everyone was distinct and perfect in their own ways, flaws and all, and that's usually what matters to me in the end. The plot is a little predictable, but only a little. I'd definitely recommend it, and plan to read more of York's books in the future.

[Rhonda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regency Done Right

Reading this book I found myself saying, please let them find happiness. The hero and heroine have had little happiness in their lives. And I so liked them as people; the author writes characters that you feel strongly about. I started the book right before bedtime thinking I would read for a half hour then go to sleep. I could not put the book down. I absolutely had to know how the story ended. Yes, it was that good.