“Believe me, darling, the last thing I intend is to fall in love.”
Widowed and notorious, Caroline Spenser is no stranger to scandal. Her lovers are among the highest-ranked gentlemen in London, and she relies on their generosity to fund her extravagant lifestyle—and a secret obligation.
Mr George Comerford is the son of a viscount and leader of the ton, having painstakingly established his reputation. At the age of thirty and with an ailing father, he is expected to marry, and well.
Five years his senior and a widow to boot, Caroline is far from the ideal wife. But taking her as his lover challenges everything he knows about himself and his ambitions. For her, he would risk his entire reputation.
But she has not survived the ton this long by trusting every man who comes into her bed, and she doesn’t intend to start now. Even if George is all her foolish heart could ever want...
His Ample Desire is a reverse age-gap, steamy novella, perfect for fans of devoted heroes and red-hot romances.
A long-time lover of historical romance, Terri Mackenzie knew from an early age that she wanted to write romance, and from a slighter older age that she wanted them spicy. Now she’s a ghostwriter and author of steamy historical romances, and has never once looked back.
In her books, you will find witty, often wilful heroines, and emotionally complex heroes*. Love always wins out—though sometimes it’s a rocky journey to get there.
*That or an emotionally stunted rake with commitment issues. Take your pick.
Older woman and younger man romance. (Hero is 30.)
Widow heroine.
A little bit of a unique idea that it is the hero that acknowledged his feelings first and does not really fight against them… and it is the heroine that does not really acknowledge her feelings and also tries to fight/repress her feelings.
A heroine that is sex positive. (The heroine has been a mistress to a number of men… and she became a mistress because she more or less had no other choices...especially since she had someone else to think about and support… but the heroine was not bitter about her situation and she really enjoyed sex and all the escapades she had with her different lovers.)
Good romantic build up and chemistry.
Good steam.
For a novella the main characters had rather much depth and were interesting but….
Good and interesting plot for only being a novella.
That the main characters did not obsess over or focus too much on looks… and they had both physical attraction and emotional attraction/connection.
Having a curvy/full-figured model on the cover. 👍 (Good representation.)
➖ What I disliked:
The heroine talks rather negatively about her age (the heroine is 35…. but she sometimes kind of talks about herself like she is at least double that age… and this is done a little too much.)
It would have been great if the story was a little longer so there was even more depth to the main characters.
Some parts were a little too rushed…. Even for a novella.
Believability/plausibility issues. (The heroine had a friend/friends that would help her with having a place to stay/live temporarily…. But the heroine chose to go to her cold but also judgemental and priggish/strictly religious mother… that disowned her when she was a very young woman and married her off to a much older man… and had No contact or cared about either the heroine or her granddaughter. And the heroines mother kept on being judgemental and priggish and did not apologize for anything about what she did to the heroine when the heroine was a very young woman… the heroines mother also kept making disapproving and preconceived/judgemental comments about the heroine and her life etc.)
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice of the hero. (Hero= tall, muscular/big, handsome.)
Issues and problems were fixed too quickly and too easily.
Another dumpster fire of a romance with a sleazy slimy STD trap heroine who lets a bunch of random men crawl between her legs and plow her, because, you know, according to perversion peddlers thats soooo empowering!! nothing says class and elegance and self-respect than turning oneself into a cum dump for loser men! Who cares about virtue and dignity and belonging only to ones hero when u can win the prize of being a jaded, overused syphilitic whore!
This was my first work by Mackenzie, and it won’t be my last. I don’t think I’ve ever read a histrom quite like this one before. Caroline is a widow and five years older than George, while George hasn’t yet inherited his title. They go from lovers to falling in love, although it happens fairly quickly. This was a solid novella, and enough to make me want to read this author again.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Readability: 📖📖📖📖 Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋 Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔 Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡ Romance: 💞💞💞💞 Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋 (I was a touch sad because some of the scenes I wanted were cut or kind of implied) Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 (there’s kind of a mix and some are a bit longer) Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (This might feel hotter to you, I didn’t count some partials and shorter scenes) Humor: A bit Perspective: third person from both the hero and heroine More character focused or plot focused? character How did the speed of the story feel? medium When mains are first on page together: Immediately Cliffhanger: No, this ends on a happily ever after Epilogue: Yes, maybe a bit less than a year later Format: read an e-book version through kindle unlimited Why I chose this book: okay FIRST of all I had to read it after that one reviewer one starred it and called the heroine a cum dumpster. 😆 And I’m so glad I did – please everyone send me all your cum dumpster heroines my way! Also, I have loved what I tried from the Curves and Cravats series and want to read them all. ALSO Mackenzie wrote To Marry a Devil which I loved and I want to read all her books! Mains: This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine (Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order? This is fine to pick up alone, but does have some character crossover from Mackenzie’s Finders Keepers series.
Basic plot: George and Caroline collide together with passion, but need different things from life...or do they?
Give this a try if you want: - Regency – 1815 - London setting - widowed heroine - light age gap – she’s older by 5 years - future Viscount hero - sex positive heroine – she’s been a mistress to a number of men and enjoys her adventures - curvy, full figured heroine - hero is looking to marry and must be mindful of his reputation he’s crafted – heroine doesn’t have the best reputation being a widow that enjoys relations… - jealous/possessive hero - period positive! - affair - higher steam – at least 2 full scenes (maybe more if you’re generous) in a shorter novel - shorter novel
Ages: - hero is 30, heroine is 35
First line: George Comerford wrapped his hand around the front of Caroline Spenser’s throat, the possessiveness of the gesture sending delicious heat through her body as he pushed her front against the library wall.
My thoughts: Ohhhhh, I loved this novella so much. I just fell right into Mackenzie’s writing. It held the magic I found in To Marry the Devil (book 2 of this series) which I loooooooooved. I found myself feeling all swoony and sweet while reading and giddy and and taking notes for quotes.
I adored these characters. George is just a favorite for me. And I loved Caroline. Even though this one had elements that sometimes (many times) don’t really work the best for me – a relationship already started...elements of instalust – she made it work here in perfection.
My ONLY complaint about this one is that Mackenzie played with some dynamics and things I really loved and don’t see a lot of in HR – throat play, hair pulling, a sweet hero that is still dominant...and I wanted more details in those scenes (the ones that really hit those were the shorter scenes or the ones that kind of faded. I was HERE FOR IT! But this is just me being selfish and wanting more…
Reading this made me immediately want to dive into what I’ve missed from her (book 3 and the following novella – which the hero is featured here for a bit of page time).
Few random reading stats for this author # of books read: 3 Average rating: 4.67 stars Favorite book: To Marry the Devil
Quotes
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Full break down on what my ratings above mean here: Overall: How I felt about it everything considered! Readability: How ‘readable’ was the book? Did I fly through it? Did I have to tell myself to pick it back up repeatedly? Were any passages confusing? (I will probably score like (1) is literally unreadable due to formatting/typing errors, etc (2) There were lots of errors that made it difficult to read OR It was extremely confusing and I had to reread passages to make sense of it OR I disliked it so much I had to bribe myself to keep reading (3) I didn’t really want to keep reading and would have preferred to abandon the read and start something else OR some minor continuity issues/confusion (4) I liked it fine, maybe a minor error or 2. I was happy to pick it up when I had time. (5) I never wanted to put this down. I thought about it when I wasn’t reading it. I hid in the bathroom from my kids to read. I threw inappropriate food at my children for dinner so I could read instead.) Feels: Totally subjective to each person but did the book give me any tingles? Any butterflies? Did it rip my heart out (in a good way?) Emotional depth: How well do I feel I know the characters at the end? How much did I feel their emotions throughout the story? Sexual tension: Again, subjective, but how strong was the wanting and longing to me between the characters? A book might have strong sexual tension without a single touch. Romance: Was there romance? Did romantic things happen? This can be actions/words/thoughts of the characters and again is subjective. Sensuality: This is how the intimate scenes are written. Kisses and sexual scenes – how sensual were they? Were they on the mechanical side? Was there emotional pull tied in? Were the details explicit or flowery? These are subjective but generally (1) too short to get a good judgement (2) not all what I'm looking for - very vague or flowery prose (3) either not explicit enough or not enough emotional pull (too mechanical/physically descriptive without the emotions) (4) what I love in a scene (5) absolute perfection - perfect balance of emotional longing and explicit descriptions Sex Scene Length: How long the bedroom scenes are (generally (1) is 1-3 sentences (2) is a few paragraphs to a page-ish (3) is about average, a few pages (4) more well developed scenes, quite a few pages with descriptions (4) the majority of the book takes place in the bedroom. This is always hard to tell for me on audio! Steam Scale: Generally, each flame is a scene. If scenes are super close together I sometimes combine them. If a scene is super short or so vague I don’t know what’s happening, I don’t count it. There’s some levels of grey but generally the number of flames is how many sex scenes there are (I max out at 5 so I’ll put a + after if there’s more than that)
Since I am a toddler age-wise when it comes to length of time I’ve been reading historical romance, I have no preconceived notions with what is “standard” behavior for characters in this genre. Which allows me to ABSOLUTELY LOVE it when an FMC doesn’t follow the rules of the tón, and behaves badly. As a widow, Lady Caroline Spenser should most definitely not be seeking her own pleasure with aristocratic men, but this is exactly what she does. Known as a bit of a tart amongst genteel society, she is who she is and fully leans into her own desires, taking lovers when she sees fit. And we meet her and her latest lover George Comerford fully enjoying themselves at the opening of the novella—talk about starting with a bang!
I really should leave this here—do you like this set up? review done! But I’ll give you a few other teasers. There is a caregiving scene where Caroline is having her monthly courses and it is so thoughtful and tender. I wish more books included this amongst their microtropes, because I’m a goner for a man who is sensitive to his woman’s needs. George is both an alpha who knows what he wants, but also incredibly flexible with his acceptance of all of Caroline, including her past and current life. If anything, maybe he was a little too perfect in understanding her? I’m not so sure a man from this time would completely accept every bit of Caroline. Yet I was also thrilled to read many depictions of Caroline as being plus-sized, and knowing she is not the standard beauty, but gorgeous nonetheless.
If Terri Mackenzie’s novella is any indication of how the rest of the Curves and Cravats series will continue, then I am thrilled to read more. I received an early copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
His Ample Desire by Terri MacKenzie . Cover: 5/5 Story: 4/5 Steam: 🔥 🔥(+kissing, scenes mentioned but not detailed) Ending: HEA with Epilogue . England, Regency (1815) Wealthy Bookish Gentleman Very Merry Widow Plus-Sized Heroine Possessive Hero Poetry in Bed Second Chance-ish He Needs a Wife Mature MCs (35F/30M) Cinna-Dom Hero Mistress Supportive Friends Child in Plot Positive Menstruation Representation . Stand Alone or Series: Can be read as a stand-alone. . His Ample Desire is a quick, lightly steamy Regency historical romance with a dash of second chance-ish feels. Desire features a plus-sized, infamous widow in her mid-thirties and a wealthy, bookish gentleman who won't stop until she is his. This novella dips its toes into some light dom/sub dynamics, a mistress agreement, and positive menstruation representation. As Desire features a stunning, plus-sized Heroine, MacKenzie keeps her physical nature at the forefront of her writing ensuring that readers can keep an accurate description of the heroine in mind throughout the title. As the representation of plus-sized heroines in the main draw to the Curves & Cravats series, I give MacKenzie a large round of applause.
While the overall tone of the title is relatively lighthearted, it does touch on some more serious, difficult themes. MacKenzie does a skillful job at balancing the scales to keep the overall chord even-keeled. As the page length denotes this title as a novella, it was wise to not allow the feeling of the novella to take a full-blown nose dive into a complex, deeply dark direction as there would have not been enough time to adequately process the emotions and difficulties. Mackenzie makes excellent use of the novella length to create a believable and passionate romance with a charming HEA.
There truly isn't much to not enjoy about our hero, George. He is a bookish gentleman with a merry dash of Cinna-dom mixed in. Besotted is the best way to describe George's feelings towards Caroline. He is utterly intoxicated by her beauty and her mind. Likewise, against what she feels is her better judgment, Caroline is truly enamored with George. As a "merry widow," Caro has always kept her assignation strictly physical, but she swiftly finds herself breaking every single one of her rules surrounding being a mistress. In the end, George shows his true devotion to Caro- past, present, and future- leading to a swoony HEA for the two of them.
For me, the epilogue felt out of place- it is extremely far-fetched. Had the entire book had this feeling, it wouldn't have felt out of place. While the epilogue gives the reader what we hope would happen, the unrealistic feeling doesn't make the relatively realistic tone of the rest of the book.
In terms of steam, Mackenize dips her toes into some lighter dom/sub dynamics that I feel readers new to that dynamic would feel comfortable with. This is a lighter steam read in terms of full scenes, but there are several mentions of intimate moments not fully on the page. Mackenzie does not add in steam for steam sake, which I enjoyed. . Read as an ebook. Honest review left voluntarily. . Content Warning (may contain spoilers): . . . . . De*th of parent- off page Mention of pregnancy Heroine was married to a man 40 years her senior Abandonment during pregnancy Financial destitution
As a reader I love these novella anthologies! These bitesize morsels of naughty fun are the perfect way to discover new-to-me authors, and Terri Mackenzie’s first (for me) did not disappoint!
This tale is about two adults with real feelings, real responsibilities, real doubts, real passion and a very real, undeniable, all-consuming, I’ll-make-the-tough-decision-to-save-him-from-himself, move-heaven-and-earth-to-make-her-happy love for each other. It’s playful and steamy with a serious undertone, maintaining the perfect balance between happiness and heartbreak. It’s an unlikely fairytale and I loved it!
Meet Caroline - a curvy widow with a secret and in control of her own pleasure - and George - a viscount-to-be five years her junior and pressured into marriage by his dying father. One torrid affair at a country house party ruins them both for anybody else… Returning to London, she finds herself short of funds. Usually her paramours sponsor her lavish lifestyle, but suddenly none of the season’s bachelors are able to stir her. But as much as George is everything she ever dreamed of, he deserves a wife who can bear him heirs and won’t ruin his good name. Eligible, wealthy and with a love for literature, he’s a poet at heart and not quite ready to marry an insipid debutante for pedigree instead of true love, especially since Caro consumes his every thought. In theory the Lady is most unsuitable, yet not worshipping her would break his heart. A viscount cannot marry his mistress, can he?
The answer is: YES, HE CAN! Of course it is! And if you want to know how he pulls it off, go and pre-order this delightful novella now!
This inspirational historical romance tells the story of an age gap relationship, where the heroine is older, and the journey from lovers to true love is marked by the hero's relentless pursuit. Caroline is a curvy widow who is fiercely independent, yet not spoiled; she is committed to her path and believes she can only count on herself. George, on the other hand, is a kind, intelligent, and generous man who remains unfazed by societal judgments. He prefers a woman with curves, the comfort of home, indulging in books and poetry, and seeks a partner to enjoy a serene life together. Caroline yearns for stability and a sense of belonging but feels her time for this has passed. As the narrative unfolds, it slowly reveals that they are destined for one another.
I absolutely adore everything I've ever read by Terri Mackenzie and this one is no exception. The writing flows effortlessly, blending lighthearted moments with steamy encounters and deeper themes. There's always something so relatable about MacKenzie's characters that make me feel such a personal connection even though we, obviously, live in a different era and our experiences aren't the same, but the universal emotions are, needing to be met the same way. The narrative skillfully breaks down barriers and removes obstacles, fitting seamlessly into the Curves and Cravats series, which celebrates and appreciates curvaceous women blazing a new trail. This author understood the assignment! This is truly a feel good story reminding you to believe in the power of love.
Diving into this author's work for the first time, I'm already eager for more. The story kicks off with Lady Caroline Spenser, a widow with a tendency for high-society liaisons, and Mr. George Comerford, a viscount's offspring. Caroline, who's got five years on George, isn't exactly the society-approved bride material. Yet, George can't help but be smitten, tossing caution (and his good name) to the wind for love. Their affair is a rollercoaster, bucking the norms and stirring up all sorts of drama.
What's not to love about this book? It tosses the usual Regency romance playbook out the window. Caroline is a breath of fresh air—a woman who owns her choices with a sharp wit and a backbone to match. George, bless his conflicted heart, evolves throughout the tale, adding layers to their fiery connection. The author's is a winning mix of laughs, feels, and period-accurate flair that makes this novella a total page-turner. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a spicy little novella with a heart of gold. It starts off with a bang and asks questions later! Part of the “Curves & Cravats” Collection, this is a quick and satisfying read at 120 pages.
The FMC is Caroline, a widow, but lonely and on the shelf are not words one would use to describe her! She decided she could be independent and bold and go after what she wants when her late husband does not leave his fortune to her. Becoming a mistress in Ton society, she uses her curves and her wiles to not only find her lifestyle but also to find a secret she has hidden away.
The MMC is George. A handsome gentleman and deep well of a man. His ailing father has demanded he marry and secure an heir, and he has never met a woman he truly wants, not wishing to settle. After meeting Caroline in several dalliances he falls hard for her and wishes to keep her as a mistress. He learns more about her heart and her character and falls even harder. He is singleminded in his desire to have her for his own, fortune and title be damned.
There are great supporting characters and some trusts you don’t see coming! The slow burn of love within the hot passion of physical attraction is both believable and well written. I hope you’ll check it out!
This is a pretty new author for me. This is only my 4th book by her. I am always looking for new authors to read, especially when I am in between my regular authors new releases. I am very picky so I do a lot of research. This author was a recommendation from one of steamy FB groups. I picked up her Finders Keepers series and loved it. I really couldn’t put them down. She had me from the beginning. I am looking forward to this new series.
I really liked Caroline and George and their story. She did what she had to do which was admirable but George was a gem. What a great guy he was. Really cute and good read.
This is my first time reading a book by Terri Mackenzie and it will definitely not be the last one because I was blown away!!
Caroline and George are lovers at first then as they lay in each others arms and get to know each other beyond the throes of passion, they find they have a lot in common, they enjoy each others company, and that they love each.
This is an amazing story of an independent heroine who is a widow and the hero is a not titled son of a Viscount but despite a scandalous past and more they will face it together because they love each other beyond reason.
Trope reverse age gap and widow.
I received this book as advanced reader's copy from the author in exchange for honest voluntary review and this is purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no one else
I really enjoyed this steamy quick novella by Terri Mackenzie.
I liked how it had a curvier heroine, bookish Hero, two people who deserved love.
George Comerfod the Hero was sweet and just wanted to take care of Lady Caroline Spenser the heroine. He was dominant in the bedroom, but a cinammon roll out of the bedroom.
My only criticism is a misunderstanding that could've been solved by the main characters communicating quickly.
If you like a steamy story of two characters with sizzling chemistry then this one is a must read.
I was given an arc for free by the author and this opinion is my own and review is submitted voluntarily.
A younger man, heir to a viscount, starts an affair with an interesting older woman who has been a mistress for many years. Falling in love was the last thing she expected. Marriage isn't possible with her reputation and secrets. The heir doesn't care, he will love only her and wants her for his wife. He just has to figure out how to get her to say "Yes." Explicit sex.
A Huge Secret! Oh Dear! Caroline lived life as she saw fit and now she was partially sharing it with George. Though they were madly in love with each other, there was one secret interfering with their relationship - one which could change their lives forever. If you love happily ever afters and I most certainly do, then this is a story not to be missed. I loved it so much and that is why I'm leaving my voluntary review having read an early copy, so enjoy!
This was a beautiful story! It was a bit different in that our heroine was a “Merry Widow” and our hero one that has not yet inherited a title.
Caroline was a bold and independent woman. She was curvy and proud of it and used it to her advantage. She knew her reputation and didn’t shy away from it. Her late husband left his fortune elsewhere, so she was forced to become a “mistress of the Ton.” She enjoyed her life, but new details from her past required more immediate funds.
George was a handsome man who loved poetry. He was on the hunt for a wife as he realized his father’s heath was failing. He and his father had a poor relationship, but George wanted to try to honor his request. He was a kind, generous, and intelligent man.
After these two spend time together at a house party, they return to London expecting things to return to normal. As they see one another around town, they find they’re drawn together. George can’t stand the thought of Caroline being with another, so he takes her on a his mistress. But can they fight the draw for more??
I love a story where the hero falls hard and doesn’t relent. George knew he wanted Caroline’s body from the start, but as he learned more about her heart and mind, you could see that he didn’t want to let her go. He was ruined. (Yes!!)
Poor Caroline’s background and situation was so believable. At times, when a heroine is stubborn and prideful, I find that I don’t like them because it comes across as bratty. Caroline was NOT this way. Her reasoning for her actions and refusing to give into her obvious love for George made complete sense to me. She had real fear and obligations and little wiggle room to make choices. It was perfect!
This was a great book. Give it a chance and fall in love with these two!
A lovely and sexy novella! I really enjoyed Caroline's independent spirit and George's devotion to her. Their love grows from attraction to infatuation in a very convincing way, and the steam is excellent.
Tropes/Trigger Warnings Cinnamon Roll Hero Love at First Sight BlueStocking Plus-sized Heroine Second Chance Romance
I have always been a huge fan of historical romance books. So, when I came across the Curve and Cravats series, I had to join in and read them. This is the second book in the series, and just like the first, it doesn't disappoint.
In this book we have widowed Caroline Spencer that is living a seemingly extravagant life in favor of being with men for a time. She's not overjoyed with what she has to do, but she does it because she is paying for her daughter to be taken care of, and nobody knows of the young girl. Though she recently ended her affair with George Comerford, due to him needing to find a wife, they can't seem to stay away from each other. Eventually George proposes to continue the affair in exchange for gifts, though he really just wants to be with Caroline. Despite things not seeming what they are, and Caroline not being his expected match, George doesn't care and makes sure to go to lengths to ensure Caroline knows it even with her being uncertain.
This second books was another great short read. I really enjoyed George's character and how even though he tried to do what society expected of him, he knew that he wanted Caroline, and figured if the only way he could get her to concede to their being together was to gift her things throughout their affair, he would. I liked that even when she turned him down, and left, he pursued her anyway and never gave up.
His Ample Desire is the second novella in the multi-author series, Curves & Cravats. This was another new to me author and I can’t wait to read more from them. While I read this as a standalone, it looks like it could also be 3.5 in the author’s Finders Keepers series.
The story begins after Caroline and George have already met and engaged in an affair at a house party. Their desire for one another burns brightly and is full of passion but they also look forward to the quiet moments with one another that they haven’t found with others.
I was immediately immersed in the story and enjoyed the storytelling and steam level. The first line grabbed me and kept me intrigued and on the edge of my seat waiting to see how they’d get their HEA.
Caroline’s reasoning for being a Merry Widow are explained early on that she unabashedly enjoys being one and is also a way for her to provide for her daughter that she was forced to give up prior to her marriage. While this past could’ve been explored more in a longer story, the shorter page count didn’t allow for it but felt the ending and epilogue provided enough to satisfy my curiosity of the happiness of the heroine and the daughter; as well as, an opening for a future story.
There are two encounters plus a fade to black and another that’s off page. They’re passionate, a bit on the rougher side, and feature light kink.
His Ample Desire is a book that fixes its gaze firmly on its heroine, Caroline. And that’s because hers is the more complex past and present than her hero George. He’s the second son who became the heir and gallivanted around before being called back to settle down, marry, and produce an heir. But Caroline made unwise choices when she was young, choices that led her to a life as a widow who has been mistress to any number of men—and who takes the money and the jewelry they’re willing to give her as her income.
Caroline’s husband didn’t leave her an adequate jointure when he died, and she had to rely on whatever money she could gain for herself and her responsibilities. So when George becomes the latest in a string of lovers, she assumes his interest (and hers) will fade in time and she’ll move on to someone else. But what happens if that interest doesn’t fade, but deepens—on both their parts?
I really loved the complexity of Caroline’s character and her struggle to balance her past with her present. George is a bit too perfect—not that that’s anything to mind!—in how he addresses his feelings for Caroline and his responsibilities to his father. And I felt that there were elements of the epilogue that strained credulity, unfortunately. But seeing how Caroline copes with hand life has dealt her is the heart of this book, and Mackenzie does a wonderful job illustrating that.
This was such a great steamy read!! I blushed right my way through it! I’ve come to this novella, His Ample Desire, after loving Caroline and George in The Picture of Desire. I absolutely adored Caroline as a character in the latter novel. Her every scene was characterised by her wit and sense and often it felt as though she was steering the characters straight and helping to clear misunderstandings. With that previous impression of Caroline, I certainly wasn’t disappointed when I turned to His Ample Desire. Mackenzie gives an insight into Caroline’s deeper motivations and the incredibly fun and spicy romance between her and George. I really loved their dynamic!!! Caroline is a strong independent woman with fire in her veins and a penchant for living on her own terms and George is a gentle soul with a dominant streak in bed. I especially loved how Caroline and George had conversations as equals. I especially loved how Caroline and George were initially physically attracted to one another and then grew emotionally attached as they fell in love. Beautifully done! Once again, Terri Mackenzie has written a great story that I’ve absolutely devoured. This novella was the perfect length for such a refreshing and empowering love story.
This my first read from this author and I really enjoyed it. It is a novella, so a quick but interesting read. The story is different from most regency books I have read. The MFC (Caroline) is a widow and older than the MMC (George) by five years, she’s a curvy lady and very proud of it. Her husband, who was titled and much older, did not leave her much of an inheritance so she now uses her lush curves to her advantage to be a kept mistress for wealthy and titled unmarried men. She is sassy, flirty and quick minded. Any gifts given to her by her lovers are sold to send money to someone who has been kept secret all of their lives. She doesn’t have a great reputation within the ton but her title still means she is invited to events to find her next wealthy lover. George is being pressured by his father, Viscount Worthington to marry and have an heir, hopefully before he dies as he is ill. George is a cinnamon roll MMC with a great body. He is modern in his way of thinking and cares for Caroline. He really wants to take care of her. He’s sweet and loving but dominant in bed. The two are not only suited in the bedroom but they enjoy spending time together talking and just being together. Caroline and George had a tryst at a house party in the past but Caroline ended it when the house party ended. They still think about each other and what they had but she knows George needs to marry well and she isn’t what he needs in a wife. The attraction between the two is still apparent when they meet at a ball and spend some time together on a darkened balcony. They reconnect and he wants to have a more permanent situation between them. She agrees to see him until he marries. The more time they spend together, Caroline knows it will be harder to break away but she also knows they can’t marry. Her secret needs money and she will need to find someone new. Thankfully there is a happily ever after for George and Caroline and a wonderful epilogue to finish their story. It was a steamy and humorous read with a solid storyline. It was a very enjoyable read. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a quick, steamy read with an engaging storyline. I received a special copy from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
This is the first novel I have read by the author and I found it rather sad, in that the heroine is left holding the baby - literally! One would like to think that times have changed but unfortunately, so many women are still bearing the brunt of male decisions. Although Caroline appears to be frivolous and lighthearted, she is in fact carrying a heavy burden and with few options open to her she is, therefore, reliant on the gifts given to her by her lovers. George finds in Caroline a kindred spirit but because of her reputation, pursuing her goes against his father's dictates. When the truth about Caroline's past emerges, George has choices to make and fortunately, he makes the right ones, bringing healing and restoration to a wounded heart. I received a copy of this romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
It is always an adventure when a woman goes against the grain. Caroline is a strong, independent woman who took her life into her own hands after her husband passed. Left to manage herself she found scandalous ways to make her way in the world, and support those she loves. But one thing a mistress should never allow are feelings. George falls quickly and completely and then spends the remainder of the book trying to open Caroline to her worth. I loved seeing Caroline’s self-appreciation grow. She is not critical but judges herself based on past mistakes. George’s acceptance and clear support are what truly make this story shine. Their ease in each other's company, their fiery chemistry and their open communication was so refreshing. This is a fun story with heat that will delight the senses.
A fantastic novella written with verve and a refreshing twist on the usual historical romances. This sensual story is based on a notorious widow who flouts the rules of the ton and a lord who has not inherited his title yet, but loves her and wants her no matter what she is labeled. I loved this story because he loved her enough to let her be herself and she loved him enough to let him go. Together they battle through misunderstandings and secrets to capture their HEA.
I loved this novella and I think you will too. I highly recommend it and I can't wait for the next installment of the "Curves and Cravats" series. Well done Terri.
TG
I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Mr George Comerford is heir to a Viscount and is enamored of a beautiful lady! Lady Augustus Spencer has a secret and she can’t divulge her reasons for her liaisons! She has few friends but once the man marries she ends their relationship! George is being pressured to marry and marry well! His father is adamant of what he thinks of Augusta and is horrible to say the least! But what if it’s love! Augusta is afraid to trust as she gave her trust before and it was very much misplaced! She is older and not guaranteed to give George an heir? Also what if her secrets and her past? Can George truly overlook all of these things and be her knight in shining armor? What a book boyfriend! Bravo George for being a hero!
Surprisingly a decent read. I had this book downloaded on my kindle for a while now and randomly decided to read it. I am glad I did because this may have ended my slump a little.
Unlike most historical romances, we find an experienced FMC who has no issues being with different men in order to get money for her expenses. In comes a Lord who is five years younger than her and yet completely captivated under her beauty and intellect.
Caroline has anger towards the unfairness women are subjected to by the society and George is progressive enough to understand where she is coming from as well as accepting her without any worry about people talking or his reputation.
It was breathtaking to see a committed MMC who is golden retriever for her yet possessive at the same time.
Gorgeous novella!!! We met the characters in Mackenzie’s previous book, The Picture of Desire, (but this novella works perfectly well as a standalone) and I was curious about Caroline, who seemed so confident and so full of life. And I really loved her book! She’s a great character, somewhat forced by life circumstances to live a life she didn’t want, but I loved that she made the best of it and she enjoyed her lovers no matter what. She really deserved her HEA and George is the perfect man for her. He’s open-minded, smart, sweet, but also domineering in bed, a delicious combination for me… I loved their story and their HEA!