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MacCarrick Brothers #3
If You Deceive
Burning vengeance...
Ethan MacCarrick was a heartbreakingly handsome rake until a powerful nobleman ordered him brutally beaten and his face scarred for a crime he didn't commit. Ethan's reprisal -- bankrupting the nobleman and forcing his exile -- does little to appease his wrath. Ten years later, a haughty, mysterious beauty enchants Ethan -- the daughter of his enemy. At last, Ethan will have the revenge he's craved; he'll promise her marriage, seduce her, then cast her aside.
Bitter hardships...
When Madeleine van Rowen's family was suddenly plunged into destitution and dishonor, she steeled herself against further heartache. She never weakened, never trusted, until a towering, scarred Highlander relentlessly pursues her, breaking down her defenses.
At what price forgiveness?
The passion between them burns hotter than Ethan's fury, and soon he finds he can't let her go. But when Madeleine uncovers the truth about him, can Ethan convince her to accept all he now offers -- when he once destroyed everything she had?
Ethan MacCarrick was a heartbreakingly handsome rake until a powerful nobleman ordered him brutally beaten and his face scarred for a crime he didn't commit. Ethan's reprisal -- bankrupting the nobleman and forcing his exile -- does little to appease his wrath. Ten years later, a haughty, mysterious beauty enchants Ethan -- the daughter of his enemy. At last, Ethan will have the revenge he's craved; he'll promise her marriage, seduce her, then cast her aside.
Bitter hardships...
When Madeleine van Rowen's family was suddenly plunged into destitution and dishonor, she steeled herself against further heartache. She never weakened, never trusted, until a towering, scarred Highlander relentlessly pursues her, breaking down her defenses.
At what price forgiveness?
The passion between them burns hotter than Ethan's fury, and soon he finds he can't let her go. But when Madeleine uncovers the truth about him, can Ethan convince her to accept all he now offers -- when he once destroyed everything she had?
356 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 22, 2007
335 people are currently reading
9236 people want to read
About the author
Kresley Cole
69 books27.5k followersKresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the electrifying Immortals After Dark paranormal series, the young adult Arcana Chronicles series, the erotic Gamemakers series, and five award-winning historical romances.
A master’s grad and former athlete, she has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings.
Her IAD books have been translated into 23 foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, a RWA Hall of Fame induction, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.
Cole lives in Florida with her family. Learn more about Kresley at: www.kresleycole.com & www.thearcanachronicles.com
A master’s grad and former athlete, she has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings.
Her IAD books have been translated into 23 foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, a RWA Hall of Fame induction, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.
Cole lives in Florida with her family. Learn more about Kresley at: www.kresleycole.com & www.thearcanachronicles.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 725 reviews
September 26, 2012
Opening Line: “Ethan had long grown used to the sinking expressions people cast him when they realized it was he who darkened their doorsteps—but in the East End rookeries this tendency seemed even more pronounced.”
Does anyone else find it near impossible to write a review about a book you absolutely loved? You can't ever say quite the right thing or express adequately how much it affected you. How much you loved the characters, the heartache, the passion and the drama. It always ends up sounding like a big pile of cheese, and really how many different ways are there to say amazing?
I guess I should start by letting everyone know that they were right. This was fantastic (there’s one) placing as one of my top historical reads ever. I only wish now I hadn’t waited so long, because Ethan stole my heart. What a great hero. To watch someone as cold, damaged and emotionally shut off as Ethan fall and allow someone into his heart was just… sigh. His confusion, his denial and in the end his willingness to do anything to have her, to keep her, borders on obsession. And then there’s this big lie hanging over him and his guilt over how he’s inadvertently destroyed her life which he then tries to make up for which only succeeds in pushing her away just when he’s realized he can’t live without her. Gah, this is how romances are meant to be –not necessarily reviews though.
What a great love story, what a great couple because as much as I fell for Ethan I equally adored Maddie. These two are equals, Their banter, flirtation and verbal sparring is some of the best I’ve ever read and sexy, jeez that carriage ride after the masquerade ball and oh let’s not forget the shopping extravaganza homage to Pretty Woman in Paris. Yeah.
Not many books have the ability to give me actual emotions but Kresley Cole managed it here in spades; smiling, sighing, cheering, crying and at one point yelling at Ethan (you fool) to get away from those two floozies and go the hell home.
I should also mention that I read this as a standalone and other than Cole’s odd way of backtracking the story and then doing a whole lot of showing not telling (of events that happened in the previous 2 books yet took place during this one) I had no real issues.
Ethan MacCarrick has been out for revenge for the past 10 years, seeking to destroy the Von Rowen family who tortured and viciously scarred his face for a crime he didn’t commit. Once a handsome and successful philanderer, woman now shun him, turning away from his brutal scar with disgust. As a consequence he’s hardened his heart and sworn off women altogether. After bankrupting and exiling the Von Rowen’s Ethan still finds that his anger has not been appeased, so when their daughter comes of age he makes it his mission to seduce and ruin her then cast her aside as his final act.
However when he meets Madeline he’s also met his match, she’s unlike anyone he’s ever known and he’s confused by his feelings. This is where the story takes on a Beauty and the Beast quality because Maddie doesn’t care about his scar or his hostile demeanour. She’s only out out for herself, trying to ensnare a husband of means before she faces a life of squalor and ultimately prostitution. So who’s playing who here? And what are they to do when the heart has a mind of its own? Taking us from London through the slums of Paris and inside Scottish country manors. We witness gun fights, cholera epidemics and some of the sweetest, heart wrenching dialogue written. This is a story I won’t be forgetting. Cheers
“You canna do this—take my goddammed heart and then leave me! You think I will no follow”
“Somewhere along the way, he’s fallen in love with her—or as much as possible for a man like him, with the lies between them.”
309jb5
Does anyone else find it near impossible to write a review about a book you absolutely loved? You can't ever say quite the right thing or express adequately how much it affected you. How much you loved the characters, the heartache, the passion and the drama. It always ends up sounding like a big pile of cheese, and really how many different ways are there to say amazing?
I guess I should start by letting everyone know that they were right. This was fantastic (there’s one) placing as one of my top historical reads ever. I only wish now I hadn’t waited so long, because Ethan stole my heart. What a great hero. To watch someone as cold, damaged and emotionally shut off as Ethan fall and allow someone into his heart was just… sigh. His confusion, his denial and in the end his willingness to do anything to have her, to keep her, borders on obsession. And then there’s this big lie hanging over him and his guilt over how he’s inadvertently destroyed her life which he then tries to make up for which only succeeds in pushing her away just when he’s realized he can’t live without her. Gah, this is how romances are meant to be –not necessarily reviews though.
What a great love story, what a great couple because as much as I fell for Ethan I equally adored Maddie. These two are equals, Their banter, flirtation and verbal sparring is some of the best I’ve ever read and sexy, jeez that carriage ride after the masquerade ball and oh let’s not forget the shopping extravaganza homage to Pretty Woman in Paris. Yeah.
Not many books have the ability to give me actual emotions but Kresley Cole managed it here in spades; smiling, sighing, cheering, crying and at one point yelling at Ethan (you fool) to get away from those two floozies and go the hell home.
I should also mention that I read this as a standalone and other than Cole’s odd way of backtracking the story and then doing a whole lot of showing not telling (of events that happened in the previous 2 books yet took place during this one) I had no real issues.
Ethan MacCarrick has been out for revenge for the past 10 years, seeking to destroy the Von Rowen family who tortured and viciously scarred his face for a crime he didn’t commit. Once a handsome and successful philanderer, woman now shun him, turning away from his brutal scar with disgust. As a consequence he’s hardened his heart and sworn off women altogether. After bankrupting and exiling the Von Rowen’s Ethan still finds that his anger has not been appeased, so when their daughter comes of age he makes it his mission to seduce and ruin her then cast her aside as his final act.
However when he meets Madeline he’s also met his match, she’s unlike anyone he’s ever known and he’s confused by his feelings. This is where the story takes on a Beauty and the Beast quality because Maddie doesn’t care about his scar or his hostile demeanour. She’s only out out for herself, trying to ensnare a husband of means before she faces a life of squalor and ultimately prostitution. So who’s playing who here? And what are they to do when the heart has a mind of its own? Taking us from London through the slums of Paris and inside Scottish country manors. We witness gun fights, cholera epidemics and some of the sweetest, heart wrenching dialogue written. This is a story I won’t be forgetting. Cheers
“You canna do this—take my goddammed heart and then leave me! You think I will no follow”
“Somewhere along the way, he’s fallen in love with her—or as much as possible for a man like him, with the lies between them.”
309jb5
July 13, 2016
5 GLORIOUS "WORTH THE WAIT" STARS!!
This book ... THIS SERIES!! OMG!! I can't even ... PERFECTION!!
From start to finish, this book and the entire series was ABSOLUTELY PERFECT! I mean OH EM GEE! I can't stop reeling ... the writing, the story, the brothers, the women they fall for, the supporting cast, the setting, the brogue, the sexual tension, the actual act (which in THIS book was DEFINITELY worth the wait!) ... I can go on but if you are a fan of this author, you know she writes some of THE best alpha males [and in this case they come in a form of HIGHLANDERS!!!] and her heroines are super and I mean SUPER kick ass! They are strong, funny, sassy, independent, sexy & the banter they deliver is always BEYOND entertaining! And THAT EPILOGUE!! It was like a cherry on top of a perfect sundae! GAH!
I DEVOURED this entire series! And I honestly feel like going back to the beginning and reading it all over again! I really don't know what else to say other than this is a MUST READ for anyone who enjoys a good love story. Or three.
Truly, when a book leaves you feeling like this
it deserves all the stars in the world! In this case, the ENTIRE SERIES did that!
Cheers!
October 17, 2008
I am one of those readers who finds Ethan MacCarrick to be a completely irresistible hero. He is dark and dangerous, bitter, treacherous, unsociable, but deeply delicious. I love his large scar, his hulking presence, and his surly demeanor. But most of all, I love the fact that his wounded heart falls so completely for Madeleine, who happens to be the daughter of his enemy. Initally he plans to seduce and discard her, but she captivates him, and he begins to love her. For me, this story shows that love can come to even the darker hearts.
I think Cole is a fantastic writer, and it's very evident in this story. She knows how to write passion and love, and she researches and presents the Victorian period beautifully. A recommended read if you like passionate historical romance. I plan to reread this book to give it the justice in reviewing it, that it deserves.
I think Cole is a fantastic writer, and it's very evident in this story. She knows how to write passion and love, and she researches and presents the Victorian period beautifully. A recommended read if you like passionate historical romance. I plan to reread this book to give it the justice in reviewing it, that it deserves.
August 17, 2011
I felt a bit uneasy at the beginning of the book, as the idea of having the hero almost having sex with the mother of the heroine wasn't something I thought I could easily overcome. Well... I should've known better than doubt Ethan! Way before I was halfway through the story, I was already in love in him. :) Obviously, that event would have to come back from the past to "bite him in the arse", and that was the only "fault" I found in him: he really should have come clean and told everything to Maddie, instead of playing the odds and hoping that she would never find that out.
Maddie was a breath of fresh air: very straightforward and honest about her feelings, she was what a man as callous as Ethan needed to "settle down". Unlike the heroines in the first two books in this series, Maddie wasn't coy and didn't play silly games in the pretense of being "feisty and daring", and I really loved her.
Before I read the MacCarrick Brothers Trilogy, I'd thought that the ongoing theme was the curse that haunted the brothers and how they would get rid of it. In a way, it was... But the funny thing is, the curse didn't play a major role in this book, which ended up being the best in the series! Without the curse hanging over Ethan's head, I was saved from the push-pull behavior that plagued his brothers in the previous books, and that was a relief.
As I've noticed before, Ms. Cole's writing sounds too "modern" sometimes and that can be a little distracting. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed reading this book.
Maddie was a breath of fresh air: very straightforward and honest about her feelings, she was what a man as callous as Ethan needed to "settle down". Unlike the heroines in the first two books in this series, Maddie wasn't coy and didn't play silly games in the pretense of being "feisty and daring", and I really loved her.
Before I read the MacCarrick Brothers Trilogy, I'd thought that the ongoing theme was the curse that haunted the brothers and how they would get rid of it. In a way, it was... But the funny thing is, the curse didn't play a major role in this book, which ended up being the best in the series! Without the curse hanging over Ethan's head, I was saved from the push-pull behavior that plagued his brothers in the previous books, and that was a relief.
As I've noticed before, Ms. Cole's writing sounds too "modern" sometimes and that can be a little distracting. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed reading this book.
December 21, 2021
Mixed emotions about this as the hero is more besotted with the heroine than he realizes, but his revenge plan is faulty. Not faulty in its success because it is very successful. He destroys the family that scarred him. The fault lies in the fact that the one person that is innocent in all this suffers the most while the evil doers just die off. You would think I never read a revenge plot before. Of course, the h suffers the most.
The heroine has a pretty wonky moral compass as well, but I guess that is what abandonment, bad parenting and extreme poverty will do to a woman in the Victorian era. She’s pretty entertaining as she another heroine a million times smarter than her hero. No sex for you buddy until the ring is on her finger, and she’s not talking about an engagement ring. The h holds the hero’s feet to the fire regarding bad hero behavior which is a rarity, and he’s never quite sure if she’s in love with him or just marrying him for security and a good time in bed.
I was going to wimp out with a 3 star, but the heroine raises the level.
The heroine has a pretty wonky moral compass as well, but I guess that is what abandonment, bad parenting and extreme poverty will do to a woman in the Victorian era. She’s pretty entertaining as she another heroine a million times smarter than her hero. No sex for you buddy until the ring is on her finger, and she’s not talking about an engagement ring. The h holds the hero’s feet to the fire regarding bad hero behavior which is a rarity, and he’s never quite sure if she’s in love with him or just marrying him for security and a good time in bed.
I was going to wimp out with a 3 star, but the heroine raises the level.
December 22, 2021
"If You Deceive" is the third and last book in the "MacCarrick Brothers"-trilogy about the oldest of the brothers,the most dangerous and brooding warrior,the blackhearted Ethan MacCarrick. A man who believed himself to be a man whose heart would never get stolen finds himself trashed on his knees by the most brave and spirited woman of all,Madeleine van Rowen...the daughter of his enemy.
I never once put this book down since i opened it,and finished reading it after two hours.Now i know that this series will stay true to my heart forever like never before.Yeah,damn how i love this book.If you want a tortured Anti-hero then Ethan is the right one,damn how BAD he was...hihi!(and how SMEXY i found him,such a guilty pleasure)!!!!!!!!!The curse no longer takes a huge part into the story as the other two brothers have found their happiness with their woman.What they thought was a curse was never about them hurting the ones they love,but it was a blessing in the told way that they would find their soulmates.That is what the brothers never expected.That their hearts would be stolen by the ONLY woman for THEM!Fate is a peculiar thing,and it made Ethan glance at Maddy,and instantly get captured,how i love it!After his deadly mission he sets out to get her,as his mistress.But fate takes another punch on him when he gets to know that she is the daugter of the man who let him get tortured and scarred at his face,and the daughter of the woman whose fault everything was.After that he sets out to a plan of vengeance,planning to dump Maddie after he used her (BASTARD)..but instead he gets caught up in her spirit,strength, wickedness,intelligence and humor.Being a pickpocket thief and survivor from the poor slums of Paris,i found Maddie hell of a exciting heroine.Life had done her no good ever since she lost her father as a child,and she have never given up since then.I love the way she never let herself be intimidated by Ethan,and always answered back with witty comebacks that even made Ethan grin (and he who NEVER smiles) and yes,also sometimes made him frustrated with rage,haha!He never could keep up with her!A man who had been so sure of his heart,it had been very hard for Ethan to realize that he can`t live without Maddie.He longed and craved for her affection,caring,desire and love.He may have been a infuriating bastard all the way through,but ONCE he knew that Maddie is the one for him,that he loves her,he chooses to FIGHT for her.Damn the consequences,damn the world but he loves her.That was a strength to his character i came to admire.The most fearless and brutal man in other peoples eyes,he teased Maddie,pleasured her,clung himself to her,adored her,spoiled her,protected her.With a fierce passion he was a very possessive man to the core and couldn`t stand when he hadn`t her attention-Just Awwww how i love him! They both accepted everything about each other,and loved each other for that.The angst are very high and the last pages made me very emotional. The romantic quotes from Ethan made my heart burn and i have actually forgotten how many times i have sighed with a dreamy look on my face. The rain-scene near the end is my FAVOURITE scene in this book, you should read it...its soooooo Epic and Romantic!
Now i have finished this trilogy, and i am so in love with all of the MacCarrick brothers! All of the books are Big Fat 5-STARS and a must-read for all fans of historical romance. You will get EVERYTHING in these books. True smitten Alpha-Heroes that are all warriors, strong beautiful Heroines, Great Action, Exciting Adventure full of Danger and Extraordinary Love-Story full of Passion. Don`t miss these books, or you will regret it!
I never once put this book down since i opened it,and finished reading it after two hours.Now i know that this series will stay true to my heart forever like never before.Yeah,damn how i love this book.If you want a tortured Anti-hero then Ethan is the right one,damn how BAD he was...hihi!(and how SMEXY i found him,such a guilty pleasure)!!!!!!!!!The curse no longer takes a huge part into the story as the other two brothers have found their happiness with their woman.What they thought was a curse was never about them hurting the ones they love,but it was a blessing in the told way that they would find their soulmates.That is what the brothers never expected.That their hearts would be stolen by the ONLY woman for THEM!Fate is a peculiar thing,and it made Ethan glance at Maddy,and instantly get captured,how i love it!After his deadly mission he sets out to get her,as his mistress.But fate takes another punch on him when he gets to know that she is the daugter of the man who let him get tortured and scarred at his face,and the daughter of the woman whose fault everything was.After that he sets out to a plan of vengeance,planning to dump Maddie after he used her (BASTARD)..but instead he gets caught up in her spirit,strength, wickedness,intelligence and humor.Being a pickpocket thief and survivor from the poor slums of Paris,i found Maddie hell of a exciting heroine.Life had done her no good ever since she lost her father as a child,and she have never given up since then.I love the way she never let herself be intimidated by Ethan,and always answered back with witty comebacks that even made Ethan grin (and he who NEVER smiles) and yes,also sometimes made him frustrated with rage,haha!He never could keep up with her!A man who had been so sure of his heart,it had been very hard for Ethan to realize that he can`t live without Maddie.He longed and craved for her affection,caring,desire and love.He may have been a infuriating bastard all the way through,but ONCE he knew that Maddie is the one for him,that he loves her,he chooses to FIGHT for her.Damn the consequences,damn the world but he loves her.That was a strength to his character i came to admire.The most fearless and brutal man in other peoples eyes,he teased Maddie,pleasured her,clung himself to her,adored her,spoiled her,protected her.With a fierce passion he was a very possessive man to the core and couldn`t stand when he hadn`t her attention-Just Awwww how i love him! They both accepted everything about each other,and loved each other for that.The angst are very high and the last pages made me very emotional. The romantic quotes from Ethan made my heart burn and i have actually forgotten how many times i have sighed with a dreamy look on my face. The rain-scene near the end is my FAVOURITE scene in this book, you should read it...its soooooo Epic and Romantic!
Now i have finished this trilogy, and i am so in love with all of the MacCarrick brothers! All of the books are Big Fat 5-STARS and a must-read for all fans of historical romance. You will get EVERYTHING in these books. True smitten Alpha-Heroes that are all warriors, strong beautiful Heroines, Great Action, Exciting Adventure full of Danger and Extraordinary Love-Story full of Passion. Don`t miss these books, or you will regret it!
December 18, 2010
everyone who told me that this was fabulous can now say "I told you so!" lol
yes, all you who know who you are (Leah, Catherine, Ally, Monica, UM, and anyone else I forgot),
I loved Maddy and Ethan.
Jane had a 2 second cameo and still managed to piss me off-wonder if I'd have liked Hugh's book better if I could have liked Jane?
So it's no secret how much I love Kresley Cole's IAD, and I liked her Sutherland Brothers series a lot as well. So, since me being me (the Highland Hussy), I love KC, I love Highlanders, what could be better than KC's Highlanders? Apparently a lot. The first book was good, but nothing special, in fact the heroine irritated me and Court was a jerk for most of the book.
The second book had such a great hero...I just loved Hugh, and I love the overlap of the series, but Jane? I really think it's fair to say that I hated her. Really. And I've wondered if I'd have rated the book better if Jane hadn't been such a holier-than-thou bitchy heroine? I mean I love me a kick-ass heroine, or even snarky and sassy, but Jane just made me want to slap her across her face! She needed someone to take her down a notch! (deep breath-this review isn't about Jane)
So for everyone to tell me that this was the best book of the series when Ethan was kind of a prick for the first 2 books, I wasn't at all looking forward to reading it.
I loved it!
Not only was he a tortured hero, I felt he wasn't really as big an ass as he pretended to be. And thank goodness Maddy saw through that too! Of all the heroines KC has written I usually love her Valkyrie. I could seriously see Maddy as a kick-ass mouthy Valkyrie.
I won't go into detail since a ton of readers have summarized and reviewed this one, but the big secret that Maddy finds out about Ethan? Broke my heart. I only wish Maddy had waited to see Ethan again before taking off for Paris. But him rescuing her? Fantastic. And the epilogue that had all three couples? So so wonderful.
yes, all you who know who you are (Leah, Catherine, Ally, Monica, UM, and anyone else I forgot),
I loved Maddy and Ethan.
Jane had a 2 second cameo and still managed to piss me off-wonder if I'd have liked Hugh's book better if I could have liked Jane?
So it's no secret how much I love Kresley Cole's IAD, and I liked her Sutherland Brothers series a lot as well. So, since me being me (the Highland Hussy), I love KC, I love Highlanders, what could be better than KC's Highlanders? Apparently a lot. The first book was good, but nothing special, in fact the heroine irritated me and Court was a jerk for most of the book.
The second book had such a great hero...I just loved Hugh, and I love the overlap of the series, but Jane? I really think it's fair to say that I hated her. Really. And I've wondered if I'd have rated the book better if Jane hadn't been such a holier-than-thou bitchy heroine? I mean I love me a kick-ass heroine, or even snarky and sassy, but Jane just made me want to slap her across her face! She needed someone to take her down a notch! (deep breath-this review isn't about Jane)
So for everyone to tell me that this was the best book of the series when Ethan was kind of a prick for the first 2 books, I wasn't at all looking forward to reading it.
I loved it!
Not only was he a tortured hero, I felt he wasn't really as big an ass as he pretended to be. And thank goodness Maddy saw through that too! Of all the heroines KC has written I usually love her Valkyrie. I could seriously see Maddy as a kick-ass mouthy Valkyrie.
I won't go into detail since a ton of readers have summarized and reviewed this one, but the big secret that Maddy finds out about Ethan? Broke my heart. I only wish Maddy had waited to see Ethan again before taking off for Paris. But him rescuing her? Fantastic. And the epilogue that had all three couples? So so wonderful.
July 20, 2018
This book had almost zero surprises, everything you think is going to happen does happen basically, but somehow it still kept me interested. Maddy is perhaps a little too forgiving but otherwise is an enjoyable character. Ethan is the more troubled one in this relationship but his emotional transformation is very believable.
August 4, 2025
Kresley Cole is probably one of the rare authors where I somehow liked and definitely hated the MMC. I don’t know how she does it…it’s so surreal because objectively the MMC Ethan is in my no-nope-immediate-trash category. But somehow for some mushroom reason I got to believe he was just a simple, plain, straightforward moron who didn’t understand emotions (read:love) until he met the FMC.
I contemplated giving this 3 or 4 stars but ultimately what made me enjoy this was Madeleine (FMC). She take no prisoner, a no nonsense, practical, sassy and funny female character. And it makes sense that someone like her could handle someone like Ethan. Her sassiness, way of thinking and retorts aren’t just for show because she really puts into action what she believes will be best for her.
I love me a girly with self-respect.
For the safety, I don’t think it’s in the safe variety and normally I would’ve been angry and immediately gave this 1/2 stars but Maddy’s reaction and Ethan’s explanation and his thoughts that led him to that stupidity is so in tune with their characters that I was gaslighted into accepting(??) it? I told ya it’s so surreal it’s like I snorted something to make me like this book and I’m just coming out sober as I’m writing this review.
So what he did was, he and Maddie were fighting and Maddie was leaving him like dumping-leaving him (and she was very valid for this but that’s another long drama of them that I’m too lazy to explain 😁) this sonofabitch went to get drunk and drown his very unmanly feelings of love and affection for Maddie, so when 2 tavern women proceeded to proposition him well…he got as far as the bedroom before he stopped it and got his come to Jesus moment.
Honestly, if y’all read the book then 100% hated it I would hate and insult it with you unprompted 😭
I contemplated giving this 3 or 4 stars but ultimately what made me enjoy this was Madeleine (FMC). She take no prisoner, a no nonsense, practical, sassy and funny female character. And it makes sense that someone like her could handle someone like Ethan. Her sassiness, way of thinking and retorts aren’t just for show because she really puts into action what she believes will be best for her.
I love me a girly with self-respect.
For the safety, I don’t think it’s in the safe variety and normally I would’ve been angry and immediately gave this 1/2 stars but Maddy’s reaction and Ethan’s explanation and his thoughts that led him to that stupidity is so in tune with their characters that I was gaslighted into accepting(??) it? I told ya it’s so surreal it’s like I snorted something to make me like this book and I’m just coming out sober as I’m writing this review.
So what he did was, he and Maddie were fighting and Maddie was leaving him like dumping-leaving him (and she was very valid for this but that’s another long drama of them that I’m too lazy to explain 😁) this sonofabitch went to get drunk and drown his very unmanly feelings of love and affection for Maddie, so when 2 tavern women proceeded to proposition him well…he got as far as the bedroom before he stopped it and got his come to Jesus moment.
Honestly, if y’all read the book then 100% hated it I would hate and insult it with you unprompted 😭
November 1, 2025
"Well, I see now why you wouldn't take off your mask." She tilted her head. "You had to cover up the ten-inch-long scar twisting across your face."
His eyes narrowed. "Aingeal, there is only one thing on my body that's ten inches long, and if you'll recall, the scar is no' it."
Admittedly, this book was in a tough spot after the exceptional "Whispers of Heaven". On the other hand, I don't think I would have liked it more at any other time.
I disliked the story. I disliked both main characters, especially Ethan with his lies and attempts to trick Madeleine into an affair. I disliked the third-act breakups (yes, plural) and the absurd rescue operation in Paris. And I disliked the easy-going writing style, which didn't fit with the rather dark story at all.
Was there anything good about the book? Well, yes…At least I didn’t hate it. (But it was close!)
His eyes narrowed. "Aingeal, there is only one thing on my body that's ten inches long, and if you'll recall, the scar is no' it."
Admittedly, this book was in a tough spot after the exceptional "Whispers of Heaven". On the other hand, I don't think I would have liked it more at any other time.
I disliked the story. I disliked both main characters, especially Ethan with his lies and attempts to trick Madeleine into an affair. I disliked the third-act breakups (yes, plural) and the absurd rescue operation in Paris. And I disliked the easy-going writing style, which didn't fit with the rather dark story at all.
Was there anything good about the book? Well, yes…At least I didn’t hate it. (But it was close!)
April 2, 2010
Brutally wounded and left for dead after being discovered with a conniving married shrew of woman, ruthless Ethan MacCarrick wants nothing but revenge and he will have it. Being a man of action, he proceeds to ruin the people behind the deeds of that devastating night, but it leaves him little consolation for the things he lost.
Years later he becomes helplessly drawn to the friend of his brother's woman only to find she's the daughter of his hated enemy. Deciding to use her to finish them off for good he enters into a relationship with her, only to find himself caught in a web of his own making- but he's not so interested in escaping.
Living most of her life in the slums of France, Madeleine van Rowen is determined to get out of her abject, improvised state by the only decent means a woman has for herself- marry a rich husband. When Ethan ruins her chances with the one man she had dangling on her line, she's determined to cut Ethan out of her life, despite his dogged pursuit. Yet something about the gruff Scot tugs at her and when he makes her an offer she can't refuse, she caves.
When she discovers the truth behind Ethan's actions, her devastated heart is ready to leave. Now Ethan must decide if the love he's feeling is stronger than his anger and desire for revenge- and woo her back to his side... forever.
Perfect ending to a very romantic trilogy!
Ethan's a bad boy for holding on to his hatred for so long, but I loved him for loving Madeleine despite his anger. I loved that he let her charm the pants off of him (literally) and I love the way he made a home for her in the end.
Madeleine is an equally endearing heroine. Because of where she lives she's not as innocent as most women of her class, but still pure. Her heart is golden, as evidenced by her care for the ladies in her slum, and she has spunk. These two generated some scorching heat together and where a great pairing, making If You Deceive a historical romance keeper to be sure.
Years later he becomes helplessly drawn to the friend of his brother's woman only to find she's the daughter of his hated enemy. Deciding to use her to finish them off for good he enters into a relationship with her, only to find himself caught in a web of his own making- but he's not so interested in escaping.
Living most of her life in the slums of France, Madeleine van Rowen is determined to get out of her abject, improvised state by the only decent means a woman has for herself- marry a rich husband. When Ethan ruins her chances with the one man she had dangling on her line, she's determined to cut Ethan out of her life, despite his dogged pursuit. Yet something about the gruff Scot tugs at her and when he makes her an offer she can't refuse, she caves.
When she discovers the truth behind Ethan's actions, her devastated heart is ready to leave. Now Ethan must decide if the love he's feeling is stronger than his anger and desire for revenge- and woo her back to his side... forever.
Perfect ending to a very romantic trilogy!
Ethan's a bad boy for holding on to his hatred for so long, but I loved him for loving Madeleine despite his anger. I loved that he let her charm the pants off of him (literally) and I love the way he made a home for her in the end.
Madeleine is an equally endearing heroine. Because of where she lives she's not as innocent as most women of her class, but still pure. Her heart is golden, as evidenced by her care for the ladies in her slum, and she has spunk. These two generated some scorching heat together and where a great pairing, making If You Deceive a historical romance keeper to be sure.
June 30, 2022
Oh well, if you follow my reviews you will know that I originally started this series because I so wanted to read this book. And when that happens, I like starting the series from the beginning to get the full impact of it. I kind of enjoyed the first book, absolutely hated the heroine of the 2nd with the spineless hero but the heroine here was well worth the wait.
I thought that I would enjoy this book because of the hero (I just love a cold hero, specially when they melt!) But I was pleasant surprised that the heroine is the one that makes this book. She's just perfect for him. She's a survivor, she’s a fighter, she's funny, she's super smart. But I got to a point where I thought: do we really need the book to be this long? I just wanted them to get their secrets in the open and solve them.
I am just not giving this book a 5 star because by the end the heroine acted out of character and I was disappointed in her, I am glad that her friend agreed with me. And I don't think it was realistic what happened afterwards.
And I am so happy that the epilogue was full with everyone in it. Well done.
Do I recommend this series? I... don't think I do. This book was the best, and if you decide to read only this one, be aware that there was a book of prophecy where they said the family line was cursed for 10 generations, and everything in that book has come to pass. So the heroes are very superstitious and the curse is heavily discussed in the first two books, and thank God not so much in this one. But that has heavily impacted the heroes character and made them dark, solitary men.
I thought that I would enjoy this book because of the hero (I just love a cold hero, specially when they melt!) But I was pleasant surprised that the heroine is the one that makes this book. She's just perfect for him. She's a survivor, she’s a fighter, she's funny, she's super smart. But I got to a point where I thought: do we really need the book to be this long? I just wanted them to get their secrets in the open and solve them.
I am just not giving this book a 5 star because by the end the heroine acted out of character and I was disappointed in her, I am glad that her friend agreed with me. And I don't think it was realistic what happened afterwards.
And I am so happy that the epilogue was full with everyone in it. Well done.
Do I recommend this series? I... don't think I do. This book was the best, and if you decide to read only this one, be aware that there was a book of prophecy where they said the family line was cursed for 10 generations, and everything in that book has come to pass. So the heroes are very superstitious and the curse is heavily discussed in the first two books, and thank God not so much in this one. But that has heavily impacted the heroes character and made them dark, solitary men.
October 18, 2019
I was looking forward to reading this book after all of the high reviews. Sadly, I didn't really like it. Something about the writing style bothered me throughout the book, It felt like I was reading fan fiction, particularly when the H/h have inner dialogue in the form of a question, like, But why? He had to have some grudge. Why her family? In fact, I find that there was way too much inner dialogue for me. I prefer books where authors can convey these kind of thoughts/feelings without them being actual inner dialogue. The dialogue weren't really from that time period either (meaning I didn't feel like I was reading a historical romance). Everyone was on a first name basis. Perhaps because everyone were close friends? Oh, yeah, speaking of dialogue. It was a distraction to read the hero's dialogue (since he was a Scot) when it had the words "donna," "ken," and "no'."
I haven't read the first two books in the series, and I probably won't if this is the author's writing style although...Book 2 (If you Desire) does look interesting. A few chapters from the beginning of this book contained what I'm guessing are events from Book 2 (If You Desire) and might be spoilers for that book if you read out of order. I don't know why I'm being picky about this next part, but the chapters were short and I felt that several of them could have been combined into one long one, considering that the proceeding chapter continues right where the preceding one ended.
This is one of the few books that I've read where the heroine is no longer nobility. It was quite heart wrenching to read how she's survived in the slums of France since the age of 14 (I think). This is also the first book that I've read to write about disease of that time, such as cholera. I don't know much about cholera, but a few incidents towards the end of the book raise some questions.
I did enjoy reading how he came to love marriage life with the heroine after their wedding. That's probably all I liked about the book.
I haven't read the first two books in the series, and I probably won't if this is the author's writing style although...Book 2 (If you Desire) does look interesting. A few chapters from the beginning of this book contained what I'm guessing are events from Book 2 (If You Desire) and might be spoilers for that book if you read out of order. I don't know why I'm being picky about this next part, but the chapters were short and I felt that several of them could have been combined into one long one, considering that the proceeding chapter continues right where the preceding one ended.
This is one of the few books that I've read where the heroine is no longer nobility. It was quite heart wrenching to read how she's survived in the slums of France since the age of 14 (I think). This is also the first book that I've read to write about disease of that time, such as cholera. I don't know much about cholera, but a few incidents towards the end of the book raise some questions.
I did enjoy reading how he came to love marriage life with the heroine after their wedding. That's probably all I liked about the book.
March 28, 2014
So many people have reviewed this, so I won't say much. This grabbed me and sucked me in from the prologue. I was up until 2am to finish.
If you are a fan of the vengeful hero genre, then you should love this book. It's fast moving, engaging, witty, and sometimes very sad. This is my first book by this author, who I understand writes mostly PNR. This was not a PNR aside from a maybe relevant/maybe not Scottish curse.
The characters were fascinating. The heroine was strong without being obnoxious or "foot stompy". The hero was a serious bad ass and sexy as hell, but also a complete selfish ass until Maddie came along. Yeah there were some unlikely parts (like the beautiful young h managing to hold on to her virginity while living in one of the worst slum in Paris from the time she was 14). However, I don't expect or really want realism of that grim sort. You already learn enough about the poverty and desperation of Maddie's environment without adding rape or the trauma of having to sell herself to it.
If you are a fan of the vengeful hero genre, then you should love this book. It's fast moving, engaging, witty, and sometimes very sad. This is my first book by this author, who I understand writes mostly PNR. This was not a PNR aside from a maybe relevant/maybe not Scottish curse.
The characters were fascinating. The heroine was strong without being obnoxious or "foot stompy". The hero was a serious bad ass and sexy as hell, but also a complete selfish ass until Maddie came along. Yeah there were some unlikely parts (like the beautiful young h managing to hold on to her virginity while living in one of the worst slum in Paris from the time she was 14). However, I don't expect or really want realism of that grim sort. You already learn enough about the poverty and desperation of Maddie's environment without adding rape or the trauma of having to sell herself to it.
August 27, 2016
Usually enjoy retellings of Beauty and the Beast, but I loathed this one. There's not much to like in Ethan and I could not get past the annoying, phonetically written accent. Maddy comes across as self-centred and wanton, with no sense of honour. The author's modern style of dialogue made it hard to imagine that the story was taking place in the late 19th century.
September 23, 2013
If You Deceive (MacCarrick Brothers) Yes, this is the best book in the series. I don't care much about what happens to the previous two, but this one is staying with me for a bit, I'll definitely read it again.
Maybe Ms. Cole should've added a few more brothers to the MacCarrick brood, since it seems this series improves with time.
From the first book onward I was intrigued by Ethan, the oldest MacCarrick brother. The hints and innuendos sparkled throughout the two previous stories created almost a mythological quality around the man...His scar, his cold demeanor, his deadened eyes, the mysterious death of his fiancée...All this made me literally itch to read his story.
And I admit I wasn't disappointed. Far from it.
The emotional roller coaster this books takes the reader on is extraordinary and extremely well-developed and plotted, holing unforeseen depths I'm utterly glad I explored.
The prologue introduces us to an Ethan, completely different from the Ethan we came to know in his brothers' books. Ten years ago he was a drunken, whoring libertine...Whose destiny is completely changed by a chance encounter in a country inn. And it is the punishment for the act he didn't commit that sets the grounds for the true story that picks up ten years later.
I could easily say that Ethan MacCarrick was one of the best developped male characters I've ever read about. In the course of this book he goes through so many changes it could easily make your head spin, not being able to tell top from bottom, yet the author did a splendid job of keeping him and the reader (more or less) grounded, despite all the upheavals he and the story went through.
We first meet him as a good-for-nothing, handsome bastard intent on bedding yet another married woman, then everything comes tumbling down around him, transforming him into the surly bear we know, until he meets the one woman that "could break his family curse", yet the discovering of her true identity embitters him even more. It is only after learning the truth about her, and accepting his involvement in what happened to Maddy, that Ethan finally accepts the possibility of his feelings toward her and slowly starts to change.
But ten years of bitter anger and striving for revenge, deceit and lies cannot be buried, and instead of revealing the truth, hoping for forgiveness, he decides to lie and deceive further, almost bringing about his own downfall.
The only chink in my appreciation of Ethan was his "tender" feelings toward Maddy that (as even she noted), bordered on obsession. I know that he felt strongly for her, the woman who saw beyond his scar, and wanted to make some kind of amends for what she's been through, but this (almost) sudden reversal from cold and distant blackguard, to obsessed, besotted fool came off as a little unrealistic...Although it was a great excuse for his impromptu trip to cholera-infested Paris in the end.
Maddy quite paled in comparison with this larger-than-life Highlander. I liked her for her dogged determination and resilience, the environment in which she grew up shaped her into a strong woman who knew her worth and far from the replica of her mother (which was her worst fear). All of which made her rash decision toward the end so much more out of character. As he friend said, one should know when to run and when to stick around and wait for an explanation.
For the strong female character Ms. Cole created with Maddy, her flight from Ethan was odd...And stupid.
Instead of creating some suspenseful plot, Ms. Cole decided to stick on the simple dynamic between two completely opposite not-so-strangers, and explore the romance that evolved between then despite having to constantly struggle underneath deceit and lies, stubbornness, pride, and waning revenge.
The author made the right choice and this reader readily recommends this book to all lovers of historical romance, Scottish brogue (and superstition), nicely-timed humor, and a pinch of a little star-crossed love. A very satisfying read.
Maybe Ms. Cole should've added a few more brothers to the MacCarrick brood, since it seems this series improves with time.
From the first book onward I was intrigued by Ethan, the oldest MacCarrick brother. The hints and innuendos sparkled throughout the two previous stories created almost a mythological quality around the man...His scar, his cold demeanor, his deadened eyes, the mysterious death of his fiancée...All this made me literally itch to read his story.
And I admit I wasn't disappointed. Far from it.
The emotional roller coaster this books takes the reader on is extraordinary and extremely well-developed and plotted, holing unforeseen depths I'm utterly glad I explored.
The prologue introduces us to an Ethan, completely different from the Ethan we came to know in his brothers' books. Ten years ago he was a drunken, whoring libertine...Whose destiny is completely changed by a chance encounter in a country inn. And it is the punishment for the act he didn't commit that sets the grounds for the true story that picks up ten years later.
I could easily say that Ethan MacCarrick was one of the best developped male characters I've ever read about. In the course of this book he goes through so many changes it could easily make your head spin, not being able to tell top from bottom, yet the author did a splendid job of keeping him and the reader (more or less) grounded, despite all the upheavals he and the story went through.
We first meet him as a good-for-nothing, handsome bastard intent on bedding yet another married woman, then everything comes tumbling down around him, transforming him into the surly bear we know, until he meets the one woman that "could break his family curse", yet the discovering of her true identity embitters him even more. It is only after learning the truth about her, and accepting his involvement in what happened to Maddy, that Ethan finally accepts the possibility of his feelings toward her and slowly starts to change.
But ten years of bitter anger and striving for revenge, deceit and lies cannot be buried, and instead of revealing the truth, hoping for forgiveness, he decides to lie and deceive further, almost bringing about his own downfall.
The only chink in my appreciation of Ethan was his "tender" feelings toward Maddy that (as even she noted), bordered on obsession. I know that he felt strongly for her, the woman who saw beyond his scar, and wanted to make some kind of amends for what she's been through, but this (almost) sudden reversal from cold and distant blackguard, to obsessed, besotted fool came off as a little unrealistic...Although it was a great excuse for his impromptu trip to cholera-infested Paris in the end.
Maddy quite paled in comparison with this larger-than-life Highlander. I liked her for her dogged determination and resilience, the environment in which she grew up shaped her into a strong woman who knew her worth and far from the replica of her mother (which was her worst fear). All of which made her rash decision toward the end so much more out of character. As he friend said, one should know when to run and when to stick around and wait for an explanation.
For the strong female character Ms. Cole created with Maddy, her flight from Ethan was odd...And stupid.
Instead of creating some suspenseful plot, Ms. Cole decided to stick on the simple dynamic between two completely opposite not-so-strangers, and explore the romance that evolved between then despite having to constantly struggle underneath deceit and lies, stubbornness, pride, and waning revenge.
The author made the right choice and this reader readily recommends this book to all lovers of historical romance, Scottish brogue (and superstition), nicely-timed humor, and a pinch of a little star-crossed love. A very satisfying read.
February 18, 2012
Wonderful angsty story. Great characterization, great pacing, great plotting. There wasn't a slow moment in the whole book. It didn't have a lot of outside stuff going on, no lame spy plot or silly ton stuff. Just a good solid relationship story as Ethan learned to love and Maddy learned to trust. Nice feel for the times and nice details of the slums etc., in Paris in the mid 1800s. Beautiful love story with some wonderful quotes. I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Highly recommended for historical romance readers.
Highly recommended for historical romance readers.
July 23, 2021
Another good story about the MacCarrick. This is Ethan and Maddy rocky romance. Ethen is brutally beaten and left with a horrible scar on his face. He takes his revenge and Maddy is caught up in it. Needed a tissue near the end of this story.
July 7, 2017
How does this book have such high ratings??? It was so poorly written..... Inconsistent plot holes, a complete lack of details and descriptions, odd chapter breaks.... The story felt so unfinished and lacked all eloquence.
It was as if the author poured all her effort into only the climatic scenes between the H/h and half-assed everything else.
Super disappointed. I had such high hopes too and the general story sounded so appealing but everything else made it a struggle to complete. I liked Maddy and her neighborhood friends, that's it. Whatshisface was a whiny stalking jerk.
It was as if the author poured all her effort into only the climatic scenes between the H/h and half-assed everything else.
Super disappointed. I had such high hopes too and the general story sounded so appealing but everything else made it a struggle to complete. I liked Maddy and her neighborhood friends, that's it. Whatshisface was a whiny stalking jerk.
December 29, 2019
This series got better with each book, Ethan's and Maddy's story is definitely the best out of the three.
This was a different kinda beauty and the beast story with an interesting plot and character background.
My ranking:
1) If You Deceive (4 stars)
2) If You Desire (4 stars)
3) If You Dare (3 stars)
This was a different kinda beauty and the beast story with an interesting plot and character background.
My ranking:
1) If You Deceive (4 stars)
2) If You Desire (4 stars)
3) If You Dare (3 stars)
October 16, 2019
Re-read
5 stars dropped to 1 star
I don't know where my first 5 star came from
5 stars dropped to 1 star
I don't know where my first 5 star came from
March 1, 2024
This is my second Kresley Cole first being from the immortals after dark series and I like this historical better even though there are many similar features like overbearing, powerful hero and sweet but smart heroine.
The story intrigued me from the beginning and their fatal connection added an extra spice to the story.
However, poor Maddy’s trust in him has been broken thoroughly twice and I didn’t feel that the author resolved it in a satisfying way for me.
I wish Ethan made better decisions.
The story intrigued me from the beginning and their fatal connection added an extra spice to the story.
However, poor Maddy’s trust in him has been broken thoroughly twice and I didn’t feel that the author resolved it in a satisfying way for me.
I wish Ethan made better decisions.
January 6, 2016
Holy cow, this book was absolutely terrible! Dialogue was absolutely asinine and juvenile. The plot was ridiculous. The hero was a borderline rapist. The heroine was a money hungry Golddigger. How in the world people found this book sensual and romantic I do not know. I knew I was done with this book at page 30, but being a glutton for punishment I forced myself to read on to the bitter end. I use the term read very loosely because it was hard to stomach 80% of the book.
July 6, 2016
I'm unsure on how to feel about this one. I didn't hate it but I didn't like it that much either. As the story continued I liked the characters a little more, but the plot was still ahn. And our heroine was ahn too. The hero wasn't any better but it was kinda weird. 2.5 maybe even brushing 2.75 But test it out for yourself. I didn't fux with this plot tbh.
The hero, Ethan, he was about to sleep with the heroine's mother but decided not to. But it was too late the heroine's father caught them in the house together and the mother screamed rape. The heroine's father then proceeded to have Ethan scarred for life. So Ethan decided to get revenge. Okay if that wasn't weird to you, the part that weirds me out is the age thing. Like I know its not unusual for a 33 year old to be with a 21 year old in this time, for some reason because they talked about it so much, it bothered me and seemed weird. Prob because of the whole mom thing. Other than deciding not to tell the heroine of this situation, he was a pretty well rounded hero. A little demanding though.
The heroine, Maddy, she was a thief, street child, and she lived in dirty (at the time) Paris. She and her friends decided to go looking for adventure when she was spotted by Ethan. She stole everything in sight it seems like. And I don't know why but I didn't have a connection for her character at all. I do agree with her that she couldn't trust Ethan. She called him Scot so many times, that if I hadn't been reading this book in a day I probably would have thought that was his name.
I thought I would skim through most of it, but I didn't. For the most part I read it all. But there were a few chapters I skipped. I personally didn't really enjoy this. I felt compelled to like the hero a couple of times because some things were too damn cute. But for the most part no.
Oh and Courtland, the hero's brother, was adorable as hell!
Quotes:
Quin's eyes widened, and he lunged at Ethan, throwing a punch. Ethan caught his fist, crushing it with his hand.
"Doona fuck with me, Quin. My patience wears thin."
"You doona even want to know why I'm here?"
[...]
"No." She paused, tapping her chin. "Not unless you've come to return my virginity, which, regrettably, I misplaced in a cab in London." She raised her brows in question. "Don't have it with you? No? Then... goodbye."
"Do you always carry a pistol?" At his brusque nod, she said, "Why?
So when a criminal mistakes my woman for a whore, I can kill him.
Why couldn't she suddenly have bigger breasts? She squeezed her eyes close, mortified.
Softly kneading her flesh, he grated, "No bigger than a teacup."
Maddy wanted to die.
"You might be intelligent, but you're no' pretty," he sneered.
Die immediately.
He dropped his hand to palm her bottom, and low masculine sounds broke from his chest. "You're bloody beautiful." He sounded infuriated by that fact.
"You steal, gamble, and speak the cant of the streets. If I'm to be our moral guid, we're both hellbound, lass."
She gazed up at him, lips curling. "But at least we'd be together."
"You canna do this--take my goddamned heart and then leave me! You think I will no' follow?"
Ethan gruffly said to Maddy, "Verra glad you're better, lass." As he trudged from the room, she thought she saw him swiping a sleeve over his eyes. Oh, Ethan.
The hero, Ethan, he was about to sleep with the heroine's mother but decided not to. But it was too late the heroine's father caught them in the house together and the mother screamed rape. The heroine's father then proceeded to have Ethan scarred for life. So Ethan decided to get revenge. Okay if that wasn't weird to you, the part that weirds me out is the age thing. Like I know its not unusual for a 33 year old to be with a 21 year old in this time, for some reason because they talked about it so much, it bothered me and seemed weird. Prob because of the whole mom thing. Other than deciding not to tell the heroine of this situation, he was a pretty well rounded hero. A little demanding though.
The heroine, Maddy, she was a thief, street child, and she lived in dirty (at the time) Paris. She and her friends decided to go looking for adventure when she was spotted by Ethan. She stole everything in sight it seems like. And I don't know why but I didn't have a connection for her character at all. I do agree with her that she couldn't trust Ethan. She called him Scot so many times, that if I hadn't been reading this book in a day I probably would have thought that was his name.
I thought I would skim through most of it, but I didn't. For the most part I read it all. But there were a few chapters I skipped. I personally didn't really enjoy this. I felt compelled to like the hero a couple of times because some things were too damn cute. But for the most part no.
Oh and Courtland, the hero's brother, was adorable as hell!
Quotes:
Quin's eyes widened, and he lunged at Ethan, throwing a punch. Ethan caught his fist, crushing it with his hand.
"Doona fuck with me, Quin. My patience wears thin."
"You doona even want to know why I'm here?"
[...]
"No." She paused, tapping her chin. "Not unless you've come to return my virginity, which, regrettably, I misplaced in a cab in London." She raised her brows in question. "Don't have it with you? No? Then... goodbye."
"Do you always carry a pistol?" At his brusque nod, she said, "Why?
So when a criminal mistakes my woman for a whore, I can kill him.
Why couldn't she suddenly have bigger breasts? She squeezed her eyes close, mortified.
Softly kneading her flesh, he grated, "No bigger than a teacup."
Maddy wanted to die.
"You might be intelligent, but you're no' pretty," he sneered.
Die immediately.
He dropped his hand to palm her bottom, and low masculine sounds broke from his chest. "You're bloody beautiful." He sounded infuriated by that fact.
"You steal, gamble, and speak the cant of the streets. If I'm to be our moral guid, we're both hellbound, lass."
She gazed up at him, lips curling. "But at least we'd be together."
"You canna do this--take my goddamned heart and then leave me! You think I will no' follow?"
Ethan gruffly said to Maddy, "Verra glad you're better, lass." As he trudged from the room, she thought she saw him swiping a sleeve over his eyes. Oh, Ethan.
November 11, 2018
A Scarred Soul and a Broken Lady Will Capture Your Heart!
The last book in Cole’s Victorian trilogy and my favorite, this is the story of Ethan MacCarrick, the oldest of three brothers, Scots who live under a 500-year old curse that promises death if any of them marries. Of course, the curse was not all readable so they don’t know the whole of it.
Ethan was a heartbreakingly handsome rake until a powerful nobleman ordered him brutally beaten and his face scarred for a crime he didn't commit. In revenge, Ethan bankrupted the nobleman. Ten years later, a haughty, mysterious beauty captures Ethan’s attention one night at a masquerade ball. When he learns she is the daughter of his enemy, he decides to complete his revenge: he'll promise her marriage, seduce her, then cast her aside.
Madeleine (“Maddy”) van Rowen has had a hard life. She comes to London hoping her cousins can help her find a new path, but alas, her encounter with a man who takes her virtue has her returning in shame to the slums of Paris where she ekes out a living. When that same man, Ethan, comes to Paris to find her, he is shocked at her living conditions and awed by her courage and kind heart toward others.
I fell in love with Ethan and Maddie and their story (introduced in the second book in the trilogy, If You Desire). There is something about love healing a scarred man and a curse to overcome that melted me. The characters are well developed and the plot moves at a good pace. Cole did her homework on the historical setting—it feels authentic—and she makes you fall in love with Scotland and it's men. The three Scottish brothers are sexy and strong and love their women with a passion that is compelling. They will draw you in, I promise. And Maddie is, well, one of the most endearing characters I have ever met.
I couldn’t put this story down. And the rest in the trilogy are equally good.
The MacCarrick Brothers Trilogy
If You Dare
If You Desire
If You Deceive
The last book in Cole’s Victorian trilogy and my favorite, this is the story of Ethan MacCarrick, the oldest of three brothers, Scots who live under a 500-year old curse that promises death if any of them marries. Of course, the curse was not all readable so they don’t know the whole of it.
Ethan was a heartbreakingly handsome rake until a powerful nobleman ordered him brutally beaten and his face scarred for a crime he didn't commit. In revenge, Ethan bankrupted the nobleman. Ten years later, a haughty, mysterious beauty captures Ethan’s attention one night at a masquerade ball. When he learns she is the daughter of his enemy, he decides to complete his revenge: he'll promise her marriage, seduce her, then cast her aside.
Madeleine (“Maddy”) van Rowen has had a hard life. She comes to London hoping her cousins can help her find a new path, but alas, her encounter with a man who takes her virtue has her returning in shame to the slums of Paris where she ekes out a living. When that same man, Ethan, comes to Paris to find her, he is shocked at her living conditions and awed by her courage and kind heart toward others.
I fell in love with Ethan and Maddie and their story (introduced in the second book in the trilogy, If You Desire). There is something about love healing a scarred man and a curse to overcome that melted me. The characters are well developed and the plot moves at a good pace. Cole did her homework on the historical setting—it feels authentic—and she makes you fall in love with Scotland and it's men. The three Scottish brothers are sexy and strong and love their women with a passion that is compelling. They will draw you in, I promise. And Maddie is, well, one of the most endearing characters I have ever met.
I couldn’t put this story down. And the rest in the trilogy are equally good.
The MacCarrick Brothers Trilogy
If You Dare
If You Desire
If You Deceive
February 2, 2025
If I hadn’t looked at the publication date, I would have sworn this was written in the 1980s because no recent historical author would write such a toxic asshole of a main character. I thought Ethan would be one of those gruff heroes you love to hate, but I soon realized I only hated him. He assaults Maddy, tosses her some cash before kicking her out of the carriage, and tells her he won’t marry her, but he’ll kill anyone who does. How romantic. It was at this point I realized there was nothing that could redeem this book. I typically won't rate a DNF as I don't think it's fair, but this was too terrible to leave it unrated.
August 15, 2022
Great heroine !
avoid
November 21, 2022Was planning to read this, until I read that H almost cheats at 75% but couldn’t , and h insta forgives.
Not for me.
Not for me.
November 9, 2021
I should not love this book, because it has a trope I hate: a revenge plot and deception after deception after deception. But it’s my favorite in the MacCarrick brothers series and my favorite from Kresley Cole.
(This is a re-read, and I actually read this series in reverse order - which also ended up being my favorites order.)
Ethan is physically scarred at the order of a lord who catches him with his wife. Years after executing his revenge to turn the man destitute, he is enchanted by a woman he meets - who happens to be his enemies daughter. He creates a new plan of revenge around seducing and then betraying her.
But he doesn’t count on Maddie being so clever, kind, funny - and wrestles with his genuine feelings for her.
I love this book so much, even if there is sooooo much deception and it seems like every 50 pages Ethan is caught in another one of his lies. What can I say? I love an age gap, Beauty and the Beast story… especially where the hero has fallen so hard for the heroine.
(This is a re-read, and I actually read this series in reverse order - which also ended up being my favorites order.)
Ethan is physically scarred at the order of a lord who catches him with his wife. Years after executing his revenge to turn the man destitute, he is enchanted by a woman he meets - who happens to be his enemies daughter. He creates a new plan of revenge around seducing and then betraying her.
But he doesn’t count on Maddie being so clever, kind, funny - and wrestles with his genuine feelings for her.
I love this book so much, even if there is sooooo much deception and it seems like every 50 pages Ethan is caught in another one of his lies. What can I say? I love an age gap, Beauty and the Beast story… especially where the hero has fallen so hard for the heroine.
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