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Regency #8
Heartless
England 1820. The Duke of Derringer must marry within five days. Disgusted with his father for such a stupid codicil, he vows to marry the first woman he meets. That woman is Leandra Harcourt, illegitimate daughter of the late Earl of Harwood. Derringer marries her, refusing to admit he's helping her more than himself. Meanwhile, some disobliging soul wants him dead.
236 pages, Trade Paperback
First published September 18, 2008
18 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
About the author
Jaimey Grant
21 books167 followersI'm an author who battles ADD with sporadic doses of writing, book cover design, blogging, online promotion, homeschooling my two kids, fermenting things with my husband (mostly beer), video games, reading, and housework. (The housework suffers.) I sleep and eat when I remember.
Check out my blog, if you get the chance: Into the Mind of Jaimey Grant
Check out my blog, if you get the chance: Into the Mind of Jaimey Grant
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
May 20, 2010
I am becoming quite a fan of Jaimey Grant! Her books are traditional historical romance with meat. While "Heartless" is not as dark as previous books, it holds more depth than many romances on the market today while still allowing for the HEA. Leandra's character is especially rich, she lives with the stigma of illegitimacy with not only acceptance but with grace. She is not just one dimensional, however, Grant writes her so well that we are allowed to see both her incredible strength and her incredible vulnerability with all the deftly painted nuances involved and grow to love her for them. The same can be said for The Duke of Derringer but from the exact opposite point of view. We grow to care about him in-spite of his harshness because we are allowed to see his weaknesses.
The author did such a wonderful job of drawing the reader in that I was actually disappointed with the confession that ended the book. I wanted more! I felt so close to the characters that I needed Derringer to explain himself, at least for a couple of paragraphs after so I would rest assured Leandra was OK (and that becomes my only complaint about the book). Keep up the good work, Ms. Grant!
The author did such a wonderful job of drawing the reader in that I was actually disappointed with the confession that ended the book. I wanted more! I felt so close to the characters that I needed Derringer to explain himself, at least for a couple of paragraphs after so I would rest assured Leandra was OK (and that becomes my only complaint about the book). Keep up the good work, Ms. Grant!
April 23, 2010
3.5 stars.
This book starts out very well. Up to about page 100 I thought it would be one of my best reads ever, and that is saying something because I read a lot. It is an entertaining book, but there are far too many secondary characters, many of whom are not even introduced as far as I could tell. New names crop up here and there; by the time I was three quarters of the way through I gave up caring who they were really and just carried on reading.
I liked the two main characters, The Duke of Derringer, and Leandra, for the most part. The only issue I had was that at times they both seem to be bipolar! Their behaviour is very inconsistent. This may be intentional, because The Duke had suffered a childhood trauma which could have left him unstable, and the circumstances surrounding Leandra's birth meant that she was always seen as an outsider in her family. However, I feel that the writer could have spent more time on character development of the main characters, rather than spending too much time on insignificant characters.
Jaimey Grant obviously has a talent for writing a gripping story and keeping the reader engaged, because the first half of the book is amazing. The second half needed work to make it believable. There were times I was left questioning how certain things had taken place e.g. how did the Captain of the Ship where Derringer was being held captive manage to send missives out to Leandra? How would they have got to her? This was not explained at all.
The book didn't really flow well in regard to continuation of certain threads in the book, for example, the letter that was found hidden in Derringer's mother's old notebook. I know the intention was that the reader should not find out this information until the end of the book, but the way in which it was written was a little annoying. As a reader I didn't like being kept dangling for too many chapters.
The ending was nice, but the run up to the ending was a bit rushed I think.
On the whole a good plot, nicely written, but I would personally have liked to see more of the main characters.
A note to the author: Sometimes what doesn't work too well as a novel would work beautifully as a film or a play. In this case, I could really see this book as a very powerful film, or maybe a play in the theatre. I would definitely go and see it!
This book starts out very well. Up to about page 100 I thought it would be one of my best reads ever, and that is saying something because I read a lot. It is an entertaining book, but there are far too many secondary characters, many of whom are not even introduced as far as I could tell. New names crop up here and there; by the time I was three quarters of the way through I gave up caring who they were really and just carried on reading.
I liked the two main characters, The Duke of Derringer, and Leandra, for the most part. The only issue I had was that at times they both seem to be bipolar! Their behaviour is very inconsistent. This may be intentional, because The Duke had suffered a childhood trauma which could have left him unstable, and the circumstances surrounding Leandra's birth meant that she was always seen as an outsider in her family. However, I feel that the writer could have spent more time on character development of the main characters, rather than spending too much time on insignificant characters.
Jaimey Grant obviously has a talent for writing a gripping story and keeping the reader engaged, because the first half of the book is amazing. The second half needed work to make it believable. There were times I was left questioning how certain things had taken place e.g. how did the Captain of the Ship where Derringer was being held captive manage to send missives out to Leandra? How would they have got to her? This was not explained at all.
The book didn't really flow well in regard to continuation of certain threads in the book, for example, the letter that was found hidden in Derringer's mother's old notebook. I know the intention was that the reader should not find out this information until the end of the book, but the way in which it was written was a little annoying. As a reader I didn't like being kept dangling for too many chapters.
The ending was nice, but the run up to the ending was a bit rushed I think.
On the whole a good plot, nicely written, but I would personally have liked to see more of the main characters.
A note to the author: Sometimes what doesn't work too well as a novel would work beautifully as a film or a play. In this case, I could really see this book as a very powerful film, or maybe a play in the theatre. I would definitely go and see it!
May 17, 2013
This story is my favorite out of all the stories that I have read of Jaimey Grant! The characters were very well developed and I became attached to them as well as caught up in their emotional struggles from start of the story. This book is filled with romance and mystery that I could not put it down. I can't wait to read Redemption.
The only thing that bugged me was about the will it is a big deal and we never find out what it contains.
The only thing that bugged me was about the will it is a big deal and we never find out what it contains.
April 26, 2010
3.5 Stars:
I am not a romance reader. I typically do not enjoy those novels, except for a few Nora Roberts books. Nicholas Sparks might catch me by surprise once in a while as well, but for the most part- romance is a no go for me.
I read this novel as part of a book club on GoodReads, where the authors meet and share their works. Jaimey Grant is a sweetheart. She is very talented at drawing a picture of the characters and making me be able to imagine them walking throughout a castle. She has the ability to make me care for even her most "heartless" of characters as well.
The only issue that I had with "Heartless" was there were many characters. It became hard to remember each of them. This was frustrating because when a new character entered the scene, they were drawn with such grace that I could imagine what they looked like... but then by the next chapter, that character was gone and/or another was added and then I couldn't seem to keep them straight. If all of these characters were needed in the story, it would have been most helpful if the story was 200-300 pages longer. That way, I would have the chance to really get to know each of them so that they would stay in my mind as the story continued.
By the end of the book, I was so mixed up that I still don't quite know who the assailants were. I will have to re-read the story again to remember which character was the one who betrayed by the end, but I wanted to post an honest review before I went back to dissect the story.
Overall, Grant does a phenominal job of painting a picture. I know exactly what the castle looks like, the grounds, the elegant rooms, the dresses that Lady Derringer wears, the way the Duke's hair falls across his face. But, the only characters that I got to "know" were the duchess and the duke (each of which has three to four names; depending on how "close" you were to them would determine which name you were allow to address them with). With so many supporting characters, the mystery behind the duke's mother's death and his father's disappearance, Leandra's father's will, Leandra's brother, the golden locket, her aggravating family, her darling sister Michaella, etc. The story could have been much longer and it could have been much more detailed.
Overall, a good, fast read. It has major 5-star potential, but needs a lot more story.
I am not a romance reader. I typically do not enjoy those novels, except for a few Nora Roberts books. Nicholas Sparks might catch me by surprise once in a while as well, but for the most part- romance is a no go for me.
I read this novel as part of a book club on GoodReads, where the authors meet and share their works. Jaimey Grant is a sweetheart. She is very talented at drawing a picture of the characters and making me be able to imagine them walking throughout a castle. She has the ability to make me care for even her most "heartless" of characters as well.
The only issue that I had with "Heartless" was there were many characters. It became hard to remember each of them. This was frustrating because when a new character entered the scene, they were drawn with such grace that I could imagine what they looked like... but then by the next chapter, that character was gone and/or another was added and then I couldn't seem to keep them straight. If all of these characters were needed in the story, it would have been most helpful if the story was 200-300 pages longer. That way, I would have the chance to really get to know each of them so that they would stay in my mind as the story continued.
By the end of the book, I was so mixed up that I still don't quite know who the assailants were. I will have to re-read the story again to remember which character was the one who betrayed by the end, but I wanted to post an honest review before I went back to dissect the story.
Overall, Grant does a phenominal job of painting a picture. I know exactly what the castle looks like, the grounds, the elegant rooms, the dresses that Lady Derringer wears, the way the Duke's hair falls across his face. But, the only characters that I got to "know" were the duchess and the duke (each of which has three to four names; depending on how "close" you were to them would determine which name you were allow to address them with). With so many supporting characters, the mystery behind the duke's mother's death and his father's disappearance, Leandra's father's will, Leandra's brother, the golden locket, her aggravating family, her darling sister Michaella, etc. The story could have been much longer and it could have been much more detailed.
Overall, a good, fast read. It has major 5-star potential, but needs a lot more story.
July 18, 2009
I need to start with a confession: I'm a walkaway from the romance genre. When I was asked to review "Heartless," I was glad to accept the invitation. I didn't know quite what to expect, other than what the synopsis told me.
What I got was a surprise.
Jaimey Grant's Regency romance is part of the "old school" (read: clean) style of writing. Her primary characters, Hart and Leandra, are well-written and likable -- even in their foibles. Married for completely non-altruistic reasons on both sides, they are both determined in their own ways to make the best of the situation.
There are a good many secondary characters, which can lead to some confusion -- especially as so many of them seem to be relatives. However, a quick glance back at a previous page relieved the issue.
The surprise was unexpected tears during a poignant part of the book. Ms. Grant wrote characters that came to life on the page and made me care about them. That is a true gift, and I am grateful that it was shared with me.
(Review based on eBook edition.)
What I got was a surprise.
Jaimey Grant's Regency romance is part of the "old school" (read: clean) style of writing. Her primary characters, Hart and Leandra, are well-written and likable -- even in their foibles. Married for completely non-altruistic reasons on both sides, they are both determined in their own ways to make the best of the situation.
There are a good many secondary characters, which can lead to some confusion -- especially as so many of them seem to be relatives. However, a quick glance back at a previous page relieved the issue.
The surprise was unexpected tears during a poignant part of the book. Ms. Grant wrote characters that came to life on the page and made me care about them. That is a true gift, and I am grateful that it was shared with me.
(Review based on eBook edition.)
January 27, 2009
Ms. Grant has done it once again in Heartless. A man, plagued with horrors of his past, finds himself seeking a bride in order to receive his inheritance. In his anger and frustration, he attempts to choose the first woman who crosses his path. Though he strives to behave otherwise, he finds himself growing used to his having his meek little wife in his life. Through many trials, they learn to love and depend upon each other.
I thoroughly enjoyed Heartless! It was enjoyable to see the change wrought upon by love. This book aptly illustrates the sacrifices made for love and to prevent those we love. Ms. Grant actively captured my attention with this story and held it to the end. I simply adored it!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed Heartless! It was enjoyable to see the change wrought upon by love. This book aptly illustrates the sacrifices made for love and to prevent those we love. Ms. Grant actively captured my attention with this story and held it to the end. I simply adored it!!!
April 3, 2010
I read this book online for PIF, and I have to give Jaimey Grant credit: she knows how to keep a reader's attention. The characters were believable and well-drawn. And from the very beginning, the book pulled me in. I did feel that the story got off track in a few places, where details seemed to be there that weren't directly relevant and too much time was spent on secondary characters, but all in all, I enjoyed the read. Romance isn't ordinarily my thing, but Heartless kept my attention (which is especially tough to do on the computer screen--where my email, and various social networking sites summon). I have to give the author her kudos for that.
March 6, 2009
A brilliantly written historical romance with a mixture of suspense an intrigue that are sure to meet anyones expectations when it comes to a must read novel.
The characters were well portrayed and I became attached to them as well as caught up in their emotional struggles from an early start.
It is a story of hardships, inheritance, and the power of love that will have you asking or more upon completion.
The characters were well portrayed and I became attached to them as well as caught up in their emotional struggles from an early start.
It is a story of hardships, inheritance, and the power of love that will have you asking or more upon completion.
November 13, 2014
I admit to being sucked into the story right from the start. I really liked Leander’s character; she is the type of person that everyone just falls in love with because of her niceness, honesty and charm (aside from her crazy family of course). She sees the good in her husband Hartley right from the beginning and because of that she doesn’t let him get away with much. He isn’t used to people treating him in such a way, and falls for her pretty quickly. I actually liked Hartley, even though he was pretty rough it was understandable knowing his childhood. Deep down, he had a good heart and was actually pretty kind to people who deserved it. I liked the relationship between Leander and Hart, they fought and made-up and learned to communicate with each other in a pretty short time. The mystery element added some suspense to the novel, and while it kind of took a different turn (it was a little dark, not your typical light regency read) it was still enjoyable.
There were just a couple things that kept me from really loving the book. First, I did like that Hart ended his relationship with his mistress once he was married, but at one point made it seem like he would still have mistresses, but wouldn’t let Leander know about them (as if that is some consolation). I just have a pet-peeve about people who cheat, I don’t like it. I admit, it seems like they really are in love and so I don’t think he would actually cheat and just wish he would have said something along those lines. Second, the mystery part was good and even the “surprise” was interesting, but I was sad with the way the author took the story. That particular story line could have been a little happier (I’m all for happy endings). And lastly, the ending was a little abrupt and left me a little disappointed. Everything just wrapped up too quickly, and while I’m glad with how some things ended up (and not others), I decided to give it a little lower rating.
Overall, the book is fairly clean. There is some swearing and Leander and Hart are married so there are “relations”, but nothing too descriptive.
Bookworm Rating: 3.5
There were just a couple things that kept me from really loving the book. First, I did like that Hart ended his relationship with his mistress once he was married, but at one point made it seem like he would still have mistresses, but wouldn’t let Leander know about them (as if that is some consolation). I just have a pet-peeve about people who cheat, I don’t like it. I admit, it seems like they really are in love and so I don’t think he would actually cheat and just wish he would have said something along those lines. Second, the mystery part was good and even the “surprise” was interesting, but I was sad with the way the author took the story. That particular story line could have been a little happier (I’m all for happy endings). And lastly, the ending was a little abrupt and left me a little disappointed. Everything just wrapped up too quickly, and while I’m glad with how some things ended up (and not others), I decided to give it a little lower rating.
Overall, the book is fairly clean. There is some swearing and Leander and Hart are married so there are “relations”, but nothing too descriptive.
Bookworm Rating: 3.5
books-i-wrote-or-contributed-to
November 24, 2008This story is my favorite out of all the stories I've ever written--current count is about a dozen, by the way. It has mystery, adventure, long-lost relatives, murder, deception, betrayal, and of course, romance. Then there is the ultimate redemption of a ruthless man accounted by most as a lost cause. And I must not forget the heroine who, throughout all the hardships placed upon her, never attempts anything more than simply trying to understand her husband...until she falls in love with him.
This story contains characters from several books not yet published, as well as Betrayal.
Just a note: None of my books contain graphic sex. While I do not "slam" the bedroom door on the reader, I do not leave it wide open, either.
:o)
This story contains characters from several books not yet published, as well as Betrayal.
Just a note: None of my books contain graphic sex. While I do not "slam" the bedroom door on the reader, I do not leave it wide open, either.
:o)
March 28, 2013
The story was a good idea, but I felt like I was missing huge chunks of the secondary characters backgrounds and how they were involved with the main characters. The main character "Hart" was extreme at both ends within minutes...sometimes within the same conversation. He would threaten "I will beat you," then flip to the opposite end and talk about "taking" her right then. WHAT? He seriously needs some meds for his bi-polar disorder. Good story, just not one I would really recommend to a friend.
December 10, 2009
Once again, Ms. Grant's characters draw you in from the first page. Leandra Harcourt and Duke of Derringer are thrown together by fate and desperate circumstances. Both stubborn and determined, they try to ignore their growing feelings towards each other. In the end, they learn that what they need most is each other. Along with this romance, Ms. Grant mixes in some family histories that need unraveling and a mystery that needs solving. An engaging read!
May 6, 2013
4.5 Stars
"Derringer’s face darkened and he pushed a hand through his loose hair in frustration. “Woman, you try my patience.” He turned abruptly on his heel and continued to the back of the house. "
RECAP
The Duke of Derringer is someone everyone fears. To many he is known as Lord Heartless because of his merciless behavior. When the duke is in need of a wife he chooses a poor girl that walks into the tavern he’s in. Little does he know that the woman he marries is not what he believes she is. Lord Heartless has found his match in Leandra.
Thrown out after he father’s death, Leandra stumbles into a tavern and encounters Hartley. When he proposes they marry, with hesitancy, Leandra accepts. What Leandra doesn’t realize until later is that she has married a heartless man. Or so everyone thinks.
When the new duchess takes over Derringer Crescent new changes come. New employees, new designs, new attitudes, new tears, new heartbreak, new enemies, and a first in Derringer Crescent, love.
But with the threats on her husband’s life, will Leandra finally be able to "save" the Duke? Or will the new duchess be a widow before that happens?
MY TAKE
First off do you see that cover up there? YUM!! :-) That was my first thought when I saw this book. You look at that beautiful face and automatically know this book will capture your attention and not let go just so you can see what that yummy character goes through.
Okay so enough swooning...:-) So I’ve had this book on my TBR list for a long time and finally thought I should give it a try. I actually enjoy Regency novels and so I looked forward to this. What a shame that I hadn’t read this before! I really enjoyed reading this one!
The Duke of Derringer, Hartley, is known as heartless to many and as you read about Hart you are tempted to agree with the view others have of him. He is merciless and he instills fear in everyone that crosses him. He isn’t affectionate, he doesn’t smile or laugh. He is a haunted soul with enemies up to his neck. And then in walks Leandra. Lord Heartless turns out to have a heart after all.
“As much as I long to make you my wife in truth, a hurried joining is not how I envisioned our first time together.”
Leandra is not the most beautiful girl Hart has seen, she is the bastard child of a deceased earl and she is pure innocence. So the Duke marries her. But Leandra was just the cup of tea Hart needs. She doesn’t put up with his crap, she holds her ground, and she cares for the man everyone hates. Reading about a heroine like her is what makes books much more enjoyable. She was sweet and caring but she stood up for herself and she didn’t shy away from her brutal husband’s anger.
Throughout the book you see the fight they both put up and see the love that blossoms between them. This book reminded me of Beauty and the Beast, which many know is my favorite book. :-) The only reason this got a 4.5 was because I wanted more lovely moments between Hart and Leandra and because I wanted a little more at the end.
This book has it all; some ridiculous family drama, sinister characters, heartwarming characters, action, tragedy and love.
Buy this. Read it. Love it.
HAPPY READING!!
"Derringer’s face darkened and he pushed a hand through his loose hair in frustration. “Woman, you try my patience.” He turned abruptly on his heel and continued to the back of the house. "
RECAP
The Duke of Derringer is someone everyone fears. To many he is known as Lord Heartless because of his merciless behavior. When the duke is in need of a wife he chooses a poor girl that walks into the tavern he’s in. Little does he know that the woman he marries is not what he believes she is. Lord Heartless has found his match in Leandra.
Thrown out after he father’s death, Leandra stumbles into a tavern and encounters Hartley. When he proposes they marry, with hesitancy, Leandra accepts. What Leandra doesn’t realize until later is that she has married a heartless man. Or so everyone thinks.
When the new duchess takes over Derringer Crescent new changes come. New employees, new designs, new attitudes, new tears, new heartbreak, new enemies, and a first in Derringer Crescent, love.
But with the threats on her husband’s life, will Leandra finally be able to "save" the Duke? Or will the new duchess be a widow before that happens?
MY TAKE
First off do you see that cover up there? YUM!! :-) That was my first thought when I saw this book. You look at that beautiful face and automatically know this book will capture your attention and not let go just so you can see what that yummy character goes through.
Okay so enough swooning...:-) So I’ve had this book on my TBR list for a long time and finally thought I should give it a try. I actually enjoy Regency novels and so I looked forward to this. What a shame that I hadn’t read this before! I really enjoyed reading this one!
The Duke of Derringer, Hartley, is known as heartless to many and as you read about Hart you are tempted to agree with the view others have of him. He is merciless and he instills fear in everyone that crosses him. He isn’t affectionate, he doesn’t smile or laugh. He is a haunted soul with enemies up to his neck. And then in walks Leandra. Lord Heartless turns out to have a heart after all.
“As much as I long to make you my wife in truth, a hurried joining is not how I envisioned our first time together.”
Leandra is not the most beautiful girl Hart has seen, she is the bastard child of a deceased earl and she is pure innocence. So the Duke marries her. But Leandra was just the cup of tea Hart needs. She doesn’t put up with his crap, she holds her ground, and she cares for the man everyone hates. Reading about a heroine like her is what makes books much more enjoyable. She was sweet and caring but she stood up for herself and she didn’t shy away from her brutal husband’s anger.
Throughout the book you see the fight they both put up and see the love that blossoms between them. This book reminded me of Beauty and the Beast, which many know is my favorite book. :-) The only reason this got a 4.5 was because I wanted more lovely moments between Hart and Leandra and because I wanted a little more at the end.
This book has it all; some ridiculous family drama, sinister characters, heartwarming characters, action, tragedy and love.
Buy this. Read it. Love it.
HAPPY READING!!
December 4, 2013
I enjoyed this book until about 2/3's of the way through and then the mystery took over and the story suffered. I think, for me, this book tried to do too much. If it was just a straight romance which it was for 2/3's it would have been an entertaining read, but the gothic-ish murder mystery was just over complicated and detracted.
Initially we have Leandra and Hart. Hart has to marry to meet an inheritance requirement. Leandra has just been made homeless and penniless due to her father's death. She agrees to help Hart meet the requirement by marrying him. These two have spark and tension and a great banter. It's almost a contest of wills but not quite. Leandra sets about bringing Hart's home into order and survive visiting hideous relatives and trying to learn about her husband. This is entertaining reading and for me, should have been all the book required.
But no, we have to have conspiracy and murder and it was just not well done.
SPOILERS
The things that I had issue with:
- The discovered letter revealing Gabe's parentage. How on earth did that arrangement come to pass? He was the "spare". What Duke would give away his child? This is never explained and it needed to be.
- Gabe' himself really could have been edited out. The whole story line was unnecessary and goes nowhere, given what happens to Gabe. (Unless he's somehow going to be resurrected in a future story.)
- The Earl of Harwood's activities were convoluted and ridiculous and we never did discover if the will was found then destroyed or was Leandra due to receive any sort of inheritance? And we were never told when or how Hart found this will. We know he thought he should "look into it" and that is all.
- Equally convoluted and inexplicable was the involvement of Mr D'Acey. We never get any explanation as to who he is except being "a bad guy". There is no back story provided as to why he so wants to hurt Hart and what he's been up to with the Earl of Harwood.
- All of the men in this story seem to bluster a whole lot and do and achieve nothing. Levi and Adam simply pass on bad news that they can't quite interpret and do nothing useful.
- Leandra's miscarriage was unnecessary and didn't contribute to the storyline, the relationship with Hart or her character development. In fact she was made out to be playing on her grief. And yet she then makes an insta-recover on the possibility of sex???
Overall, if this story had simply encompassed Leandra winning over the heart of Hart (the Duke) with her charm and spunk as they got to know each other and dealt with each other, relatives, the house etc perhaps with perhaps the added twist of the will hunt/discovery it would have been an entertaining read. Instead, the overcomplicated, under-explained mystery, conspiracy detracted hugely from what was (until that point) and entertaining read.
I will not look for further books by this author.
Initially we have Leandra and Hart. Hart has to marry to meet an inheritance requirement. Leandra has just been made homeless and penniless due to her father's death. She agrees to help Hart meet the requirement by marrying him. These two have spark and tension and a great banter. It's almost a contest of wills but not quite. Leandra sets about bringing Hart's home into order and survive visiting hideous relatives and trying to learn about her husband. This is entertaining reading and for me, should have been all the book required.
But no, we have to have conspiracy and murder and it was just not well done.
SPOILERS
The things that I had issue with:
- The discovered letter revealing Gabe's parentage. How on earth did that arrangement come to pass? He was the "spare". What Duke would give away his child? This is never explained and it needed to be.
- Gabe' himself really could have been edited out. The whole story line was unnecessary and goes nowhere, given what happens to Gabe. (Unless he's somehow going to be resurrected in a future story.)
- The Earl of Harwood's activities were convoluted and ridiculous and we never did discover if the will was found then destroyed or was Leandra due to receive any sort of inheritance? And we were never told when or how Hart found this will. We know he thought he should "look into it" and that is all.
- Equally convoluted and inexplicable was the involvement of Mr D'Acey. We never get any explanation as to who he is except being "a bad guy". There is no back story provided as to why he so wants to hurt Hart and what he's been up to with the Earl of Harwood.
- All of the men in this story seem to bluster a whole lot and do and achieve nothing. Levi and Adam simply pass on bad news that they can't quite interpret and do nothing useful.
- Leandra's miscarriage was unnecessary and didn't contribute to the storyline, the relationship with Hart or her character development. In fact she was made out to be playing on her grief. And yet she then makes an insta-recover on the possibility of sex???
Overall, if this story had simply encompassed Leandra winning over the heart of Hart (the Duke) with her charm and spunk as they got to know each other and dealt with each other, relatives, the house etc perhaps with perhaps the added twist of the will hunt/discovery it would have been an entertaining read. Instead, the overcomplicated, under-explained mystery, conspiracy detracted hugely from what was (until that point) and entertaining read.
I will not look for further books by this author.
November 16, 2012
I was excited to receive a free copy of this book from the author for review. Having read some excerpts on her website of the short story "Lady Coward", I was excited to read more from her.
I just barely finished reading, so I apologize if my thoughts are a bit scattered.
There are so many things I loved about this book - Hart (who doesn't love a bad boy hiding pain?), Merri - a very unconventional heroine (her glasses completely grew on me, and her honesty made her very real), murder, mystery, passion (without being dirty - though not SQUEAKY clean ;-) but the frustrating thing was that so many things remained unfinished and unexplained at the end.
*Spoiler Alert*
Why was Gabriel given to his aunt and uncle? What exactly did the letter from the late Duchess offer by way of explanation for that?
How involved was Lady St. Clair in her son's plot?
Was witnessing his mother's death the only secret Hart had? I wanted a "spill his guts to Merri" scene so badly!
Why did Nicolette show up and why didn't Merri call Hart out on it? I would have liked to have heard his response to that news.
How did Bri get out of her locked room? And was Adam kidding when he said he would beat her? I guess we just don't know these characters well enough...
What happened to the Captain and the rest of the crew after Hart fainted?
I realize that Merri was overcome when Hart turned up alive, and then she experienced such tragedy later that night - but we really didn't get to experience her feelings at seeing him alive again - I imagined her hovering over him that night, assessing the damage and being so grateful he was alive.
Admitting he loved her in the end was the perfect culmination, but it was too abrupt and there still seemed to be some things he needed to answer for. He should have explained to her that hurting her was his way of trying to protect her. I especially thought he owed her an explanation for practically strangling her. And call me a dreamer, but I would have loved Hart to realize he could never take a mistress again and give his reassurances to Merri on that subject.
I guess more dialogue and communication between Hart and Merri towards the end of the novel is what I was looking for. I wanted all his secrets divulged and promises made.
I believe that Ms. Grant short-changed herself (and her readers) a little with this book. She writes dialogue so well, there just wasn't enough of it. I want to see relationships develop through communication. Again, there was so much I loved about this book, but I think she could have given us so much more!
ps - I just started reading the excerpt from "Deception" about Aurora and Levi...why does everyone have to have a mistress? Boo. :-(
I just barely finished reading, so I apologize if my thoughts are a bit scattered.
There are so many things I loved about this book - Hart (who doesn't love a bad boy hiding pain?), Merri - a very unconventional heroine (her glasses completely grew on me, and her honesty made her very real), murder, mystery, passion (without being dirty - though not SQUEAKY clean ;-) but the frustrating thing was that so many things remained unfinished and unexplained at the end.
*Spoiler Alert*
Why was Gabriel given to his aunt and uncle? What exactly did the letter from the late Duchess offer by way of explanation for that?
How involved was Lady St. Clair in her son's plot?
Was witnessing his mother's death the only secret Hart had? I wanted a "spill his guts to Merri" scene so badly!
Why did Nicolette show up and why didn't Merri call Hart out on it? I would have liked to have heard his response to that news.
How did Bri get out of her locked room? And was Adam kidding when he said he would beat her? I guess we just don't know these characters well enough...
What happened to the Captain and the rest of the crew after Hart fainted?
I realize that Merri was overcome when Hart turned up alive, and then she experienced such tragedy later that night - but we really didn't get to experience her feelings at seeing him alive again - I imagined her hovering over him that night, assessing the damage and being so grateful he was alive.
Admitting he loved her in the end was the perfect culmination, but it was too abrupt and there still seemed to be some things he needed to answer for. He should have explained to her that hurting her was his way of trying to protect her. I especially thought he owed her an explanation for practically strangling her. And call me a dreamer, but I would have loved Hart to realize he could never take a mistress again and give his reassurances to Merri on that subject.
I guess more dialogue and communication between Hart and Merri towards the end of the novel is what I was looking for. I wanted all his secrets divulged and promises made.
I believe that Ms. Grant short-changed herself (and her readers) a little with this book. She writes dialogue so well, there just wasn't enough of it. I want to see relationships develop through communication. Again, there was so much I loved about this book, but I think she could have given us so much more!
ps - I just started reading the excerpt from "Deception" about Aurora and Levi...why does everyone have to have a mistress? Boo. :-(
February 8, 2017
*Book source ~ Picked up for free on Amazon
Hartley Giles St. Clair, the Duke of Derringer, has been plagued with problems, accidents and outright attempts on his life since he inherited the title of Duke at age seven. Now, an additional problem has cropped up in the form of a clause in his late father’s will, a clause that has gone unnoticed all these years (I’d fire that law firm). He has a week to marry or he loses his considerable inheritance. Since no one in London has any appeal to him he decides to travel to his estate and snag a bride nearby. On his way he stops at an inn when his carriage wheel breaks and that’s where he crosses paths with Leandra Harcourt, the beloved yet bastard daughter of the Earl of Harwood who is recently deceased. In dire straits after her stepmother throws her out, she accepts the Duke’s proposal and becomes his Duchess. However, their troubles continue. With someone out to get him, will Heartless survive to produce an heir?
With wonderful writing, fantastic characters and a twisty malevolent plot this should have been a 5-biter for me. However, while Leandra and Heartless were excellent characters when apart from each other, any time they interacted on page they became frustrating to read. Their wildly swinging emotions were confusing to me. Are they bipolar? I didn’t understand how they could go from happiness to rage to lust or whatever else emotion happened to pop up in just a few sentences. It was exhausting. I actually looked forward to them being apart so I could enjoy the book again. Also, I didn’t understand the huge time frame there at the end. I won’t give it away, but it didn’t seem to fit the plot very well.
All-in-all a wonderful read if you can survive the emotional roller coaster ride between the main characters.
Hartley Giles St. Clair, the Duke of Derringer, has been plagued with problems, accidents and outright attempts on his life since he inherited the title of Duke at age seven. Now, an additional problem has cropped up in the form of a clause in his late father’s will, a clause that has gone unnoticed all these years (I’d fire that law firm). He has a week to marry or he loses his considerable inheritance. Since no one in London has any appeal to him he decides to travel to his estate and snag a bride nearby. On his way he stops at an inn when his carriage wheel breaks and that’s where he crosses paths with Leandra Harcourt, the beloved yet bastard daughter of the Earl of Harwood who is recently deceased. In dire straits after her stepmother throws her out, she accepts the Duke’s proposal and becomes his Duchess. However, their troubles continue. With someone out to get him, will Heartless survive to produce an heir?
With wonderful writing, fantastic characters and a twisty malevolent plot this should have been a 5-biter for me. However, while Leandra and Heartless were excellent characters when apart from each other, any time they interacted on page they became frustrating to read. Their wildly swinging emotions were confusing to me. Are they bipolar? I didn’t understand how they could go from happiness to rage to lust or whatever else emotion happened to pop up in just a few sentences. It was exhausting. I actually looked forward to them being apart so I could enjoy the book again. Also, I didn’t understand the huge time frame there at the end. I won’t give it away, but it didn’t seem to fit the plot very well.
All-in-all a wonderful read if you can survive the emotional roller coaster ride between the main characters.
January 16, 2013
Hartley St Claire, Duke of Derringer is forced to marry by his thirtieth birthday in order to maintain his inheritance so he finds the first woman he can and sets off to marry her. He plans to dump her at his country estate and then continue on as he did before. His wife, Leandra, awakens something in Hart that he doesn't wish to put a name to. But he has no time to reflect upon his new wife and his feelings as he tries to find his cousin, Gabriel, and determine who's out to kill him.
The story was interesting and for the most part very enjoyable. The author created two characters who managed to get under my skin in a short amount of time. I wanted the two of them to find their way to each other, because you could tell immediately they belonged together. Even the suspense part of the storyline was intriguing and kept you guessing until close to the end.
There were two things that kept this from being a four star rating: the quirkiness of the way the story was written and the abrupt ending.
By quirkiness, I'm talking about the scene changes sometimes being a bit abrupt, or items thrown out in conversation that seemed very vital to the story but then were never mentioned again. How we never really got a history of just what Hart had been up to prior to finding himself in need of a wife and why he had so many enemies. Why there was such disdain between his relations (and Leandra's for that matter). Those little tidbits could have taken a good story and make it great, in my opinion. And as far as the ending, it was just abrupt. It was like eavesdropping at an open door and then having it shut in your face just when things started to get good. Sure we got what we wanted, sort of, in the end but I could have been finished off a bitter neater.
The story was interesting and for the most part very enjoyable. The author created two characters who managed to get under my skin in a short amount of time. I wanted the two of them to find their way to each other, because you could tell immediately they belonged together. Even the suspense part of the storyline was intriguing and kept you guessing until close to the end.
There were two things that kept this from being a four star rating: the quirkiness of the way the story was written and the abrupt ending.
By quirkiness, I'm talking about the scene changes sometimes being a bit abrupt, or items thrown out in conversation that seemed very vital to the story but then were never mentioned again. How we never really got a history of just what Hart had been up to prior to finding himself in need of a wife and why he had so many enemies. Why there was such disdain between his relations (and Leandra's for that matter). Those little tidbits could have taken a good story and make it great, in my opinion. And as far as the ending, it was just abrupt. It was like eavesdropping at an open door and then having it shut in your face just when things started to get good. Sure we got what we wanted, sort of, in the end but I could have been finished off a bitter neater.
December 12, 2012
I got this free from the Kindle store, and the least I could do is like it, right?
But I am sorry, I did not.
I failed to relate to the characters and they remained unlikeable all through out the story. The protagonist Hartley St Clair Hughes, the duke of Derringer, is called heartless but he didn't strike me as heartless in any part of the book. Probably insensitive but not heartless. I really do not get the title. In the beginning of the book, he was already introduced as a kind spirit as he was willing to help Leandra Merrily Harcourt. Being a duke, Derringer could have had any girl he wanted but he picked Leandra because she had no means to support herself. Despite the time limit in which he had to find a wife to get his inheritance, I bet a duke could pick any girl he wanted.
Leandra, on the other hand, struck me as a woman with bipolar disorder. Here she is, agreeable this time, then suddenly mad the next. This happens all throughout the book and it was frustrating.
The love story between Derringer and Leandra was also not well developed. They were just suddenly in love but dodging the fact that they were.
There were also a lot of mysteries shuffling in the story, but not all of them were answered.
This book just frustrated me. Though I was able to finish it, my eyes were rolling most of the time.
But I am sorry, I did not.
I failed to relate to the characters and they remained unlikeable all through out the story. The protagonist Hartley St Clair Hughes, the duke of Derringer, is called heartless but he didn't strike me as heartless in any part of the book. Probably insensitive but not heartless. I really do not get the title. In the beginning of the book, he was already introduced as a kind spirit as he was willing to help Leandra Merrily Harcourt. Being a duke, Derringer could have had any girl he wanted but he picked Leandra because she had no means to support herself. Despite the time limit in which he had to find a wife to get his inheritance, I bet a duke could pick any girl he wanted.
Leandra, on the other hand, struck me as a woman with bipolar disorder. Here she is, agreeable this time, then suddenly mad the next. This happens all throughout the book and it was frustrating.
The love story between Derringer and Leandra was also not well developed. They were just suddenly in love but dodging the fact that they were.
There were also a lot of mysteries shuffling in the story, but not all of them were answered.
This book just frustrated me. Though I was able to finish it, my eyes were rolling most of the time.
January 25, 2013
An interesting historical regency romance with just enough suspense to keep moving along at a steady clip. A marriage of convenience that turns to love, which I always enjoy. The hero is quite an arse and I enjoyed that while the author strives to make us understand him, she doesn't push us to like him. He doesn't have an instant personality change. Rather, he only allows his softer side and love to appear to his wife. I enjoyed his wife, Merri. Not a beauty, she also isn't made into a raving beauty through marriage but rather just grows more beautiful in her husbands eyes.
There were certain scenes in the story that seem to wander off, getting lost and never heard from again. At times the dialogue is disingenuous and bi polar. I would have loved more back story on the hero and answers to questions left open. The ending is also very abrupt and somewhat discouraging. We are left with a lot of unanswered questions. Everyone's future is left hanging and I would have loved some closure to it all. It seems to be a trend lately to just stop at a certain point and declare 'The End'. Hopefully they will be addressed in later books.
There were certain scenes in the story that seem to wander off, getting lost and never heard from again. At times the dialogue is disingenuous and bi polar. I would have loved more back story on the hero and answers to questions left open. The ending is also very abrupt and somewhat discouraging. We are left with a lot of unanswered questions. Everyone's future is left hanging and I would have loved some closure to it all. It seems to be a trend lately to just stop at a certain point and declare 'The End'. Hopefully they will be addressed in later books.
January 21, 2013
Leandra Harcourt marries a tall dark stranger because she has been abandoned by her step family after her father passes away. She has no where to go. Her husband is mysterious and sexy but doesn't take the marriage vows very serious when he leaves her to attend to business after only being married 2 days.
The Duke of Derringer, or as some call him Heartless married Leandra because she is the first woman he meets after he finds out he needs to marry to save his inheritance. Leandra Harcourt is nothing like his other mistresses, she is plan with glasses. He's intrigued as he learns he married someone he can't just bully around. She learns there is much more to the man than just being cruel.
This is a wonderful love story, but not only do you get romanced by a Duke, many questions arise. First, what really happened in the death of the Duke's mom and why has it made him so heartless. Now that the Duke inherited his money, who is out to kill him? Will they stop at the Duke? Or by marrying Leandra has he put her life in jeopardy? In the end, things turn deadly. You are holding your breath wondering how it will all turn out. It's a great story of romance and mystery.
The Duke of Derringer, or as some call him Heartless married Leandra because she is the first woman he meets after he finds out he needs to marry to save his inheritance. Leandra Harcourt is nothing like his other mistresses, she is plan with glasses. He's intrigued as he learns he married someone he can't just bully around. She learns there is much more to the man than just being cruel.
This is a wonderful love story, but not only do you get romanced by a Duke, many questions arise. First, what really happened in the death of the Duke's mom and why has it made him so heartless. Now that the Duke inherited his money, who is out to kill him? Will they stop at the Duke? Or by marrying Leandra has he put her life in jeopardy? In the end, things turn deadly. You are holding your breath wondering how it will all turn out. It's a great story of romance and mystery.
November 3, 2012
Heartless by Jaimey Grant
Was very luckily sent a free copy of this book to read and review which I have written below
I had waited a long time to read this book after meeting Lord Heartless in previous books and I was not disappointed. We meet Hart (Duke of Derringer ) at a soliciters trying to release his Inheritance where he rescues a lady who needs a room for the night and he marries her.We discover his secrets which are sad and he exudes a vulnerability which has been hidden in our previous meetings with him. His lady also has secrets which threaten the marriage as do his.
It was a very well written book and I fell for Hart. The ending was a bit abrupt though for me and i would have liked to know a bit more about Hart's childhood and some more about someof the secondary characters who played an important part in his life
Am now looking forward to thenext book in this regency series
Was very luckily sent a free copy of this book to read and review which I have written below
I had waited a long time to read this book after meeting Lord Heartless in previous books and I was not disappointed. We meet Hart (Duke of Derringer ) at a soliciters trying to release his Inheritance where he rescues a lady who needs a room for the night and he marries her.We discover his secrets which are sad and he exudes a vulnerability which has been hidden in our previous meetings with him. His lady also has secrets which threaten the marriage as do his.
It was a very well written book and I fell for Hart. The ending was a bit abrupt though for me and i would have liked to know a bit more about Hart's childhood and some more about someof the secondary characters who played an important part in his life
Am now looking forward to thenext book in this regency series
December 28, 2012
I really enjoyed this novel! The duke's character was so awful and cruel at times that it actually kept me reading. I couldn't believe that he could be capable of loving someone and treating her right. It had that but of romance/suspense that I love in a good regency era novel.
August 16, 2014
4.5/5.0
Ms. Grant brings her characters to such vibrant life! They literally jump off the page, grab one by the shirt and shout “YOU WILL LOVE ME!”
Read full review in the 2012 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Ms. Grant brings her characters to such vibrant life! They literally jump off the page, grab one by the shirt and shout “YOU WILL LOVE ME!”
Read full review in the 2012 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
July 23, 2013
Not as clean as I would like. Even though they are married, I don't need to read, even briefly, about him fondling her breast. Other than that, a great story. I do wish the issue of her fathers will had been resolved, and any man using violence on a woman reeks.
December 5, 2012
My cousin posted it as a free book from Amazon. I thought it was something else. I'd give it a, "Meh."
January 11, 2013
I found this book as a freebie on Kindle. It was actually a really good read. Although I felt that there was a few questions that needed to be answered all in all a good book
August 21, 2013
Hartley, Duke of Derringer needs to marry before his birthday, which is a week away, in order to receive his complete inheritance. Leandra Harcourt, has been kicked out of her home after her father's death as she was born out of wedlock. Together Hart, whom many refer to as Heartless, and Merri (Leandra's nickname) get married in order to help each other. Hart has many secrets. Not only is he searching for his cousin who disappeared after Waterloo, but someone has been trying to torment and kill him since the age of 7 when he became duke. Many things are tied to his parents deaths only he as blocked some of it out of his memory.
Merri brings life and happiness to a dying estate as Hart leaves with another tip on where he might find his missing cousin. While separated, they develop feelings for each other and miss the chemistry that only after a few days acquaintance has stirred in each of them. When Hart finally finds his cousin and returns home, he and Merri's affection for each other grows. Unfortunately, the more it grows, the more fearful he becomes as he is afraid his past will cause her injury and so, moments of tenderness are overshadowed by his secrets and perceived heartlessness. Because of mysteries in his past, because he married her, he has now put her in danger, too. In the end, secrets begin to unravel even as Hart and Merri's feelings are acted upon.
I had such mixed feelings about this book! In many ways it was a fantastic book and really kept me reading. Character development was spot on, interaction between the characters moved the story forward. I could really get a feel for the characters and the descriptions of the environment and what was going around everyone was very clear in my head.
However, as I was reading, I got a real sense that I was reading maybe book 3 or 4 of a series, but when I researched it out, no where could i find evidence one way or the other. When I was about half way through the book I went back to Jaimey Grant's page and found the names of the couples who had their own book. I really think if I had read those first, I would have enjoyed this even more.
As fantastic as the main story between Merri and Hart is, there are so many characters to try and get to understand and so many details to figure out.. that is why my rating is a 3 rather than 4 or 5.
Merri brings life and happiness to a dying estate as Hart leaves with another tip on where he might find his missing cousin. While separated, they develop feelings for each other and miss the chemistry that only after a few days acquaintance has stirred in each of them. When Hart finally finds his cousin and returns home, he and Merri's affection for each other grows. Unfortunately, the more it grows, the more fearful he becomes as he is afraid his past will cause her injury and so, moments of tenderness are overshadowed by his secrets and perceived heartlessness. Because of mysteries in his past, because he married her, he has now put her in danger, too. In the end, secrets begin to unravel even as Hart and Merri's feelings are acted upon.
I had such mixed feelings about this book! In many ways it was a fantastic book and really kept me reading. Character development was spot on, interaction between the characters moved the story forward. I could really get a feel for the characters and the descriptions of the environment and what was going around everyone was very clear in my head.
However, as I was reading, I got a real sense that I was reading maybe book 3 or 4 of a series, but when I researched it out, no where could i find evidence one way or the other. When I was about half way through the book I went back to Jaimey Grant's page and found the names of the couples who had their own book. I really think if I had read those first, I would have enjoyed this even more.
As fantastic as the main story between Merri and Hart is, there are so many characters to try and get to understand and so many details to figure out.. that is why my rating is a 3 rather than 4 or 5.
March 13, 2013
Review previously posted to my blog http://wp.me/p1P7gt-9X
The Duke of Derringer finds out he has to marry before his birthday to keep his inheritance. He has one week or he will go from super-rich Duke to pauper. He pretty much picks the first girl he saw: Leandra. She was homeless since her father died. She was an illegitimate offspring raised in her father’s house. Despised by her father’s wife, she was kicked out as soon as her father died.
Derringer put up a veritable brick wall, because he did not want to love anyone. He had a reputation of being heartless. I suppose, saying hurtful things to Leandra was his way of maintaining his reputation. The sad part about it, he would hurt her feelings, and then feel remorse about causing her pain. Leandra was patient, but there’s only so much a woman can take.
Meanwhile, there were attacks on his life. While he is trying to figure out who wants him dead, he is trying to discourage Leandra from caring about him. That usually involved to say more hurtful things.
I cannot understand why Leandra took so much crap off him. He had a hard life, but that does not excuse him from being a jerk. At least he had the good sense to apologize. Leandra was more forgiving than I would have been.
The story was okay. If you like regency romance novels, you will probably like this. I could take it or leave it. There were some unexpected twists in the story. Derringer was too surly for me. Most of the time, I didn’t like the way he talked to Leandra. I did think it was funny that you as the reader could tell the characters mood by out how they address each other. For example, when Leandra was in a good mood, she would say “Hart” but if she was in a bad mood she will call him “your grace”. My chuckles were tempered with growls at his bad attitude.
All that being said, the ending was somewhat confusing, a little sad, but satisfying in a happy-ever-after type of way. If you think that sentence does not make any sense, read the book and let me know what you think.
The Duke of Derringer finds out he has to marry before his birthday to keep his inheritance. He has one week or he will go from super-rich Duke to pauper. He pretty much picks the first girl he saw: Leandra. She was homeless since her father died. She was an illegitimate offspring raised in her father’s house. Despised by her father’s wife, she was kicked out as soon as her father died.
Derringer put up a veritable brick wall, because he did not want to love anyone. He had a reputation of being heartless. I suppose, saying hurtful things to Leandra was his way of maintaining his reputation. The sad part about it, he would hurt her feelings, and then feel remorse about causing her pain. Leandra was patient, but there’s only so much a woman can take.
Meanwhile, there were attacks on his life. While he is trying to figure out who wants him dead, he is trying to discourage Leandra from caring about him. That usually involved to say more hurtful things.
I cannot understand why Leandra took so much crap off him. He had a hard life, but that does not excuse him from being a jerk. At least he had the good sense to apologize. Leandra was more forgiving than I would have been.
The story was okay. If you like regency romance novels, you will probably like this. I could take it or leave it. There were some unexpected twists in the story. Derringer was too surly for me. Most of the time, I didn’t like the way he talked to Leandra. I did think it was funny that you as the reader could tell the characters mood by out how they address each other. For example, when Leandra was in a good mood, she would say “Hart” but if she was in a bad mood she will call him “your grace”. My chuckles were tempered with growls at his bad attitude.
All that being said, the ending was somewhat confusing, a little sad, but satisfying in a happy-ever-after type of way. If you think that sentence does not make any sense, read the book and let me know what you think.
October 7, 2011
It's official. I'm a sucker for Jaimey Grant novels. Heartless is the second novel by Ms. Grant that I've read, the first being Spellbound. There's something charming about reading a clean romance that focuses on character and plot rather than graphic sex or endless pages of characters swooning over each other. That's probably what keeps me coming back. Grant's stories are like delicious slices of red velvet cake served up on a literary dish of impeccable prose.
I found myself a shameless voyeur to the goings on of the lives of the characters in Heartless, one minute laughing aloud at the improprieties of the Clark Gable-like Hartley St. Clair who plays the role of the tall, dark and dangerous Duke of Derringer, and the next, warming to his budding romance with the divine Duchess Leandra Merrily Harcourt. I was unabashedly swept up in a romance that is not only enchanting, but engrossing as well.
Speaking of romance, I've read a few romance novels in my time. But I don't think I have ever come across a book quite like this one. Despite its romantic core, it's also an adventure, murder-mystery, family-drama, historical fiction, and epic all at once.
This book is too good for me to do it justice with a cheap attempt to regurgitate the synopsis. But if you enjoy sweet romance novels that transports you to a decadent age where virtue and honor were more than hallmark card slogans for a budding romance, this one's for you.
4 stars
I found myself a shameless voyeur to the goings on of the lives of the characters in Heartless, one minute laughing aloud at the improprieties of the Clark Gable-like Hartley St. Clair who plays the role of the tall, dark and dangerous Duke of Derringer, and the next, warming to his budding romance with the divine Duchess Leandra Merrily Harcourt. I was unabashedly swept up in a romance that is not only enchanting, but engrossing as well.
Speaking of romance, I've read a few romance novels in my time. But I don't think I have ever come across a book quite like this one. Despite its romantic core, it's also an adventure, murder-mystery, family-drama, historical fiction, and epic all at once.
This book is too good for me to do it justice with a cheap attempt to regurgitate the synopsis. But if you enjoy sweet romance novels that transports you to a decadent age where virtue and honor were more than hallmark card slogans for a budding romance, this one's for you.
4 stars
November 10, 2012
I LOVED this book!!! Ms. Grant captured me from the beginning and pulled me into another world of romance, danger, heartbreak, forgiveness, trust, and undeniable love. Leandra, the illegitimate daughter of an Earl, was tossed out of her house when her father died leaving her penniless and alone on the streets. Hartley, The Duke of Derringer, must marry in five days in order to secure his lively hood as a last "heartless" gesture by his father in his will. And he must struggle to stay alive as someone has been trying to kill him for years. A chance meeting brings these two together and the decision to marry secures both their futures. But neither one understood how their worlds would change.
This story is Cinderella meets Jane Eyre with a style all its own. Leandra must learn to trust when all she's known in her life is rejection from a family who never wanted to claim her as their own, with the exception of her father. Hart must overcome deep routed fear and hatred in his life to let the one person in that can melt the walls he's constructed around his heart. The attraction they each feel towards one another is so strong, the magnetism is breathtaking.
This was a clean, sexy, romantic, heartwarming read. I would recommend this to anyone who loves historical romance, as it is sure to lift you up and leave you breathless.
This is definitely a book I will be reading more than once!
(I received this novel as a free ebook for purposes of review.)
This story is Cinderella meets Jane Eyre with a style all its own. Leandra must learn to trust when all she's known in her life is rejection from a family who never wanted to claim her as their own, with the exception of her father. Hart must overcome deep routed fear and hatred in his life to let the one person in that can melt the walls he's constructed around his heart. The attraction they each feel towards one another is so strong, the magnetism is breathtaking.
This was a clean, sexy, romantic, heartwarming read. I would recommend this to anyone who loves historical romance, as it is sure to lift you up and leave you breathless.
This is definitely a book I will be reading more than once!
(I received this novel as a free ebook for purposes of review.)
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