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My Reckless Surrender
Headlong Into Sin...
A well-practiced rake, weary of easy conquests and empty pleasures, Tarquin Vale, Earl of Ashcroft, knows women—and his every instinct warns him to beware of this one. Diana Carrick's brazen overtures have thrown the haunted, sinfully handsome lord completely off his guard. Why, the exquisite temptress stated outright that she wishes to be his lover. But it is neither Diana's boldness nor her beauty that intrigues him so—it is the innocence he senses behind her worldly mask.
Intent upon the seduction that will finally free her, Diana has set her sights on the notorious Ashcroft—never dreaming that there is much more to the enigmatic rogue than sin and deviltry. His kiss is bewitching, his caress intoxicating—and even the dangerous secret Diana must protect cannot shield her from Ashcroft's dark allure.
Unwittingly yet most willingly, they are playing with fire. Now the fuse has been lit and there is no escape . . . except surrender.
A well-practiced rake, weary of easy conquests and empty pleasures, Tarquin Vale, Earl of Ashcroft, knows women—and his every instinct warns him to beware of this one. Diana Carrick's brazen overtures have thrown the haunted, sinfully handsome lord completely off his guard. Why, the exquisite temptress stated outright that she wishes to be his lover. But it is neither Diana's boldness nor her beauty that intrigues him so—it is the innocence he senses behind her worldly mask.
Intent upon the seduction that will finally free her, Diana has set her sights on the notorious Ashcroft—never dreaming that there is much more to the enigmatic rogue than sin and deviltry. His kiss is bewitching, his caress intoxicating—and even the dangerous secret Diana must protect cannot shield her from Ashcroft's dark allure.
Unwittingly yet most willingly, they are playing with fire. Now the fuse has been lit and there is no escape . . . except surrender.
358 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 25, 2010
41 people are currently reading
749 people want to read
About the author
Anna Campbell
91 books1,574 followersI've written 53 bestselling historical romances: 11 multi-award winning books for Hachette Grand Central Publishing and Avon HarperCollins, and more than 40 as an independently published author, These include my popular series The Sons of Sin (6 books), The Dashing Widows (7 books), The Lairds Most Likely (10 books), A Scandal in Mayfair (4 books), and Scoundrels of Mayfair (4 books). My new series, Cinderellas of Mayfair, launched with Sir Hugo Seeks a Wife in 2025.
When I'm not touring the world seeking inspiration for my passionate stories, I live on the beautiful east coast of Australia.
I've always been a voracious reader and I delve into many different genres, as you'll see if you check out my books list. Favorite authors include Dorothy Dunnett, Elly Griffiths, K.J. Charles, and Loretta Chase.
My website is http://www.annacampbell.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annacampbell...
Twitter: AnnaCampbellOz
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Campbell/...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/anna-...
I love to hear from readers and you can contact me on AnnaCampbellOz@hotmail.com
When I'm not touring the world seeking inspiration for my passionate stories, I live on the beautiful east coast of Australia.
I've always been a voracious reader and I delve into many different genres, as you'll see if you check out my books list. Favorite authors include Dorothy Dunnett, Elly Griffiths, K.J. Charles, and Loretta Chase.
My website is http://www.annacampbell.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annacampbell...
Twitter: AnnaCampbellOz
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Campbell/...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/anna-...
I love to hear from readers and you can contact me on AnnaCampbellOz@hotmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
January 4, 2019
This Reformed Rake reformed very, very well…
I read most of my romance stories hoping for a mushy, gushy Epilogue. You know the ones…where we get a glimpse of the happy ever after. With a little Cherub calling out “Daddy” or “Mummy”, or maybe even just seeing the couple in lust with each other after all these years. Well, for the first time ever, I was kind of hoping that “Mummy” dropped off a cliff and “Daddy” and cherub lived happily ever after. I know harsh, but this chick…let’s just say, I’m not a fan of Diana and her deceitful, greedy and ambitious ways.
"Reformed Rakes" are a bit of a favourite for me. Luckily, we don’t have to see Tarquin in action but it’s in the back of your head that your “hero” has a less than sterling reputation. But, again, Diana bloody deserved it if Tarquin let his eyes wander. NO!! I take it back!! Sorry, my anger slipped for 2.5 seconds and my hate for Diana had me veering down the wrong path. Of course, I don’t want my hero’s eyes to wander. Bloody Diana, she’s messing with my mind…
I really had to remind myself that these were different times. Diana’s decisions seemed so misguided and wrong, but, I was thinking about the here and now. I guess my harsh judgement of Diana is because I was thinking with a modern woman’s mentality. A modern woman wouldn’t have to hide her talent for estate management. We don’t have to think of our reputations if we’re seen out in public by ourselves. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t feel obligated to marry a despicable man because society will ostracise me if I don’t. Diana made some bad choices but a lot of them were because she had to, not because she wanted to.
Biggest warning…THIS IS A VERY SEXY STORY!! Capitals because I mean SEXY!! Holy shamoly, I was in a twitchy state from beginning to end. The sexual tension explodes between the couple from the very beginning. You know how some books have the first line of each chapter in the index? Well, let’s just say your eyes would be popping out of your head before you even started My Reckless Surrender. If you don’t like a lot of sexy times in your stories, I’d probably test the sample first. If you like your sexy times mixed in with a decent storyline, DO IT!!!!
The baddies were bad and the goodies...well, unfortunately, there weren't too many goodies. Well, maybe Laura and the manservant/butler, but everyone else, they all took turns being dodgy. Obviously, there was a BADDIE but he was dealt with but I would have seen him suffer more if I had my way. I'm a bit resentful and tend to hold a grudge against my villains, though. ;-)
I thoroughly enjoyed My Reckless Surrender even though Diana made me want to reach in, strangle her and replace her with a heroine I could respect. It was a little longer than I anticipated, which, at times made it drag a bit. Anna Campbell’s writing though, always kept me turning the pages. If you’re looking for a steamy historical romance with a Reformed Rake that reforms very, very well, I highly recommend.
May your year be filled with love, laughter, health, happiness and plenty of awesome books.
I read most of my romance stories hoping for a mushy, gushy Epilogue. You know the ones…where we get a glimpse of the happy ever after. With a little Cherub calling out “Daddy” or “Mummy”, or maybe even just seeing the couple in lust with each other after all these years. Well, for the first time ever, I was kind of hoping that “Mummy” dropped off a cliff and “Daddy” and cherub lived happily ever after. I know harsh, but this chick…let’s just say, I’m not a fan of Diana and her deceitful, greedy and ambitious ways.
"Reformed Rakes" are a bit of a favourite for me. Luckily, we don’t have to see Tarquin in action but it’s in the back of your head that your “hero” has a less than sterling reputation. But, again, Diana bloody deserved it if Tarquin let his eyes wander. NO!! I take it back!! Sorry, my anger slipped for 2.5 seconds and my hate for Diana had me veering down the wrong path. Of course, I don’t want my hero’s eyes to wander. Bloody Diana, she’s messing with my mind…
I really had to remind myself that these were different times. Diana’s decisions seemed so misguided and wrong, but, I was thinking about the here and now. I guess my harsh judgement of Diana is because I was thinking with a modern woman’s mentality. A modern woman wouldn’t have to hide her talent for estate management. We don’t have to think of our reputations if we’re seen out in public by ourselves. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t feel obligated to marry a despicable man because society will ostracise me if I don’t. Diana made some bad choices but a lot of them were because she had to, not because she wanted to.
Biggest warning…THIS IS A VERY SEXY STORY!! Capitals because I mean SEXY!! Holy shamoly, I was in a twitchy state from beginning to end. The sexual tension explodes between the couple from the very beginning. You know how some books have the first line of each chapter in the index? Well, let’s just say your eyes would be popping out of your head before you even started My Reckless Surrender. If you don’t like a lot of sexy times in your stories, I’d probably test the sample first. If you like your sexy times mixed in with a decent storyline, DO IT!!!!
The baddies were bad and the goodies...well, unfortunately, there weren't too many goodies. Well, maybe Laura and the manservant/butler, but everyone else, they all took turns being dodgy. Obviously, there was a BADDIE but he was dealt with but I would have seen him suffer more if I had my way. I'm a bit resentful and tend to hold a grudge against my villains, though. ;-)
I thoroughly enjoyed My Reckless Surrender even though Diana made me want to reach in, strangle her and replace her with a heroine I could respect. It was a little longer than I anticipated, which, at times made it drag a bit. Anna Campbell’s writing though, always kept me turning the pages. If you’re looking for a steamy historical romance with a Reformed Rake that reforms very, very well, I highly recommend.
May your year be filled with love, laughter, health, happiness and plenty of awesome books.
April 30, 2019
I actually really liked this one. The story was definitely unique. No spoilers. Our heroine Diana sets out to seduce the hero in a convoluted scheme to become mistress of an Abbey she's been in love with since a child. On the surface, it seems greedy and ambitious. Which is fine with me because at least its original. An ingredient (at least to me) not easy to come by in historical romance.
Delving deeper, this is a time when a woman's position was extremely precarious. She couldn't vote, had few rights or options. I think eventually there is a point she passes where she should have come clean but this one was so steamy that I'm willing to over look it.
Again, the one huge problem for me was th internal monologues that go on FOREVER. It seems this might be the case for all Campbell's book? I get so frustrated and bored, I just start skimming ahead to dialogue. It just becomes TOO MUCH. Where is a good editor to say, let's cut some of this out? It's unnecessary. The writing itself is so good and the steam SO steamy that, again, it's still a winner.
Delving deeper, this is a time when a woman's position was extremely precarious. She couldn't vote, had few rights or options. I think eventually there is a point she passes where she should have come clean but this one was so steamy that I'm willing to over look it.
Again, the one huge problem for me was th internal monologues that go on FOREVER. It seems this might be the case for all Campbell's book? I get so frustrated and bored, I just start skimming ahead to dialogue. It just becomes TOO MUCH. Where is a good editor to say, let's cut some of this out? It's unnecessary. The writing itself is so good and the steam SO steamy that, again, it's still a winner.
February 7, 2024
2-Die-Bitch-Die-Stars
Oh, this was painful on so many levels. Scratch that. It was painful on only the Diana level. Boy, she sucked, big time.
- I like Anna Campbell. She writes brilliant, gritty stories, but why does she hate her heroes to subject them to such horrible women? (Recalls, Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed).
- This story was great until Diana started thinking. Then I wanted to kill her, greedy woman! By all means, do what you will, but please have a decent reason to do so! She inflicted so much pain on Ashcroft, got him beaten, left him, and HE was the one to come back for her? Again, what the actual fuck? Her big sacrifice? She gave up her dream. For honor? Oh, boo. Then she dared to go back on her word again. All of this AFTER Ashcroft had offered her a perfectly acceptable solution, but nooooooooo, entitlement prevails! Die bitch.
- Poor Ashcroft, you deserved better.
- I don't believe I am about to say this, but there was no conversation and too much sex. TALK TO EACH OTHER, and then fall in love, you idiots.
This was not a feel-good romance at all.
Oh, this was painful on so many levels. Scratch that. It was painful on only the Diana level. Boy, she sucked, big time.
- I like Anna Campbell. She writes brilliant, gritty stories, but why does she hate her heroes to subject them to such horrible women? (Recalls, Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed).
- This story was great until Diana started thinking. Then I wanted to kill her, greedy woman! By all means, do what you will, but please have a decent reason to do so! She inflicted so much pain on Ashcroft, got him beaten, left him, and HE was the one to come back for her? Again, what the actual fuck? Her big sacrifice? She gave up her dream. For honor? Oh, boo. Then she dared to go back on her word again. All of this AFTER Ashcroft had offered her a perfectly acceptable solution, but nooooooooo, entitlement prevails! Die bitch.
- Poor Ashcroft, you deserved better.
- I don't believe I am about to say this, but there was no conversation and too much sex. TALK TO EACH OTHER, and then fall in love, you idiots.
This was not a feel-good romance at all.
May 28, 2010
Widow Diana, the daughter of a bailiff, arrives in London with express directions to get pregnant by Tarquin Vale, the Earl of Ashcroft. Why Diana is determined to do this is contrived/convoluted and I believe that a reader's enjoyment of this book correlates to whether they sympathize with her reasons or not. Personally, I wasn't too sympathetic.
Anna Campbell seems to be in the forefront of the "Regency Noir" subgenre but what does it really mean? Well, after reading AC's first five books so far, it seems to mean sexy, heightened melodrama with a claustophobia, almost gothic feel. I once saw another writer described as "overwrought metal" and that's what AC's books often remind me of. I happen to LIKE melodrama; I did watch soaps for 9 yrs. But I have often found that a coldly precise style offers the best dynamic counterpoint where melodrama is concerned. AC is not of that school.
She likes to include the reader into pages of interior monologue and introspection of both the H/H. She wants the reader to be there for every nuance. When the H/H share their first kiss, she slows down the action till every one of the senses is described. She writes some of the best First Kiss scenes around, IMO. So, too, for the sex scenes. These scenes go on for pages and pages since the majority of the book is about an affair, after all. I have often come across AC mentioned as an erotic historical writer but I have never noticed this before this novel since I was usually so involved with the characters that I barely remember the sex scenes as being spicy. Since I didnt care about either Vale or Diana, I noticed alright. And was bored.
Vale is entranced by Diana almost right from the start. I usually adore romances with besotted heroes but this time, I felt that the way that Vale let Diana dictate too much of their relationship made him seem weak instead of sweet. It's a fine line.
Anna Campbell seems to be in the forefront of the "Regency Noir" subgenre but what does it really mean? Well, after reading AC's first five books so far, it seems to mean sexy, heightened melodrama with a claustophobia, almost gothic feel. I once saw another writer described as "overwrought metal" and that's what AC's books often remind me of. I happen to LIKE melodrama; I did watch soaps for 9 yrs. But I have often found that a coldly precise style offers the best dynamic counterpoint where melodrama is concerned. AC is not of that school.
She likes to include the reader into pages of interior monologue and introspection of both the H/H. She wants the reader to be there for every nuance. When the H/H share their first kiss, she slows down the action till every one of the senses is described. She writes some of the best First Kiss scenes around, IMO. So, too, for the sex scenes. These scenes go on for pages and pages since the majority of the book is about an affair, after all. I have often come across AC mentioned as an erotic historical writer but I have never noticed this before this novel since I was usually so involved with the characters that I barely remember the sex scenes as being spicy. Since I didnt care about either Vale or Diana, I noticed alright. And was bored.
Vale is entranced by Diana almost right from the start. I usually adore romances with besotted heroes but this time, I felt that the way that Vale let Diana dictate too much of their relationship made him seem weak instead of sweet. It's a fine line.
May 18, 2010
I had to hold myself back from throwing this book against the wall.
Diana Carrick is being blackmailed by Edgar Fanshawe, Marquess of Burnley. If Diana doesn't seduce and ends up pregnant by Tarquin Vale, the Earl of Ashcroft, those she loves will suffer. Fanshawe wants to marry Diana but he is unable to get her pregnant. He chooses the well known rake for Diana and expects results or she will suffer the consequences.
Tarquin is insulted when a veiled woman comes to him, asking to be her lover while she is in London. She says she wants to experience passion in his arms since he is rumored to be very skilled in the bedroom. Tarquin finds the situation very strange, but when he gets a look at the widow, he is struck hard by lust. He decides to engage in a tryst with the woman, but will find out all her secrets in the meantime.
Diana never expected to be such a wanton in Tarquin's arms and can't bear to leave him, including the deceit she must go through. But Tarquin isn't a fool, and as their passions for one another change into love, he will stop at nothing until Diana is his forever even if his actions destroy her life forever.
Anna Campbell is so skilled at writing intense and hot love scenes, and there are many between Diana and Tarquin. But the major issue I had with My Reckless Surrender is the near ridiculous deceit Diana must go through to get pregnant. The majority of the time I felt like I was reading an over the top melodrama with a very cartoonish type villain in regards to Fanshawe. Diana comes across more of a scared and worrisome woman if anything, and there is nothing much to recommend about her. Truthfully, only Tarquin is the only redeemable character in this whole story, and even then I found him lacking because he was duped so easily.
My Reckless Surrender does have a few twists and turns readers won't see coming, which is really and ends to a means to help Tarquin and Diana find their happily ever after together. This latest by Anna Campbell is very disappointing mainly due to the lengths the heroine must go through to get pregnant. This one is a major pass.
Diana Carrick is being blackmailed by Edgar Fanshawe, Marquess of Burnley. If Diana doesn't seduce and ends up pregnant by Tarquin Vale, the Earl of Ashcroft, those she loves will suffer. Fanshawe wants to marry Diana but he is unable to get her pregnant. He chooses the well known rake for Diana and expects results or she will suffer the consequences.
Tarquin is insulted when a veiled woman comes to him, asking to be her lover while she is in London. She says she wants to experience passion in his arms since he is rumored to be very skilled in the bedroom. Tarquin finds the situation very strange, but when he gets a look at the widow, he is struck hard by lust. He decides to engage in a tryst with the woman, but will find out all her secrets in the meantime.
Diana never expected to be such a wanton in Tarquin's arms and can't bear to leave him, including the deceit she must go through. But Tarquin isn't a fool, and as their passions for one another change into love, he will stop at nothing until Diana is his forever even if his actions destroy her life forever.
Anna Campbell is so skilled at writing intense and hot love scenes, and there are many between Diana and Tarquin. But the major issue I had with My Reckless Surrender is the near ridiculous deceit Diana must go through to get pregnant. The majority of the time I felt like I was reading an over the top melodrama with a very cartoonish type villain in regards to Fanshawe. Diana comes across more of a scared and worrisome woman if anything, and there is nothing much to recommend about her. Truthfully, only Tarquin is the only redeemable character in this whole story, and even then I found him lacking because he was duped so easily.
My Reckless Surrender does have a few twists and turns readers won't see coming, which is really and ends to a means to help Tarquin and Diana find their happily ever after together. This latest by Anna Campbell is very disappointing mainly due to the lengths the heroine must go through to get pregnant. This one is a major pass.
May 30, 2010
It's v. hard to root for the star-crossed HEA when the heroine is a ninny & hero is a luv-sick sap. If he were a virgin, he woulda won more sympathy vote from me, but he's a jaded rake, who's been around the blocks (unfortunately, not my block). The succulent meat of the story is only embedded in the last 10 chapters. It took me days to finish it 'cuz I put it down, picked it up, put it down again & then switched to Jo Bev for a change 'cuz the reedy plot was moving @ a 1-legged turtle's pace. I kept reading @ stops & starts even tho’ I was hoping it’ll get more riveting. The 1st 2/3 of the book is merely mind-numbing marathon sex that @ times I thought I was reading Stephanie Laurens, who’s infamous for over-stretching the sex quota & luv scenes ad nauseum. I give her credit for the 1st wince-inducing boinking in the carriage, it's realistic that heroine initially feels pain being over-stretched on hero's King Dong. Interwoven w/ the lengthy nookie, is lotsa going back & 4th thought process between the H/H. Tarquin's (both spoken & unspoken) grilling in regards to Diana's actions & motivations is like doing laundry, lather, rinse, repeat, to no avail. I'd hire her as an FBI instructor for "10 ways on how to evade crunchy questions" class, 'cuz she does have admirable skills in spinning the 3rd degree inquisition around & making Tarquin reveal his sad lonely self instead.
I like hero's name, BTW, v. unique & not used too often, the only other book I can think of featuring same name is Jane Feather - Vice. If U've read AC's previous ab fab works, U're no stranger to her uber obsessive heroes. I luv obsessive, jealous, possessive heroes, but methinks Tarquin is inexplicably too hypnotized by Diana's spell, to the point that his pride-lowering aggressiveness in his pursue of her, came across as just a tad too pathetic for my taste. I dunno, mayhap I'm PMS-ing, but I really couldn't believe that the hero pops the question upon knowing that heroine's preggers & she turns him down. Whyyyy oh whyyy ? His prospects aren't too shabby, Tarquin's status is in equal footing w/ the baddie. Bad move. Oh and to have Tarquin show up in the nick of time for the wedding, after a severe beating ? Jeez louiz... he'd be better off letting the heroine reap what she sows. Also, we're told that Tarquin's a champion for the underprivileged / the poor / something like that, but we don't get shown what / how exactly he does to fight for his cause, 'cuz he's too busy trying to subdue his infatuated boner. The juicy luv scenes do have some palpable threads of tenderness & mutual feelings, but not enuff to overcum the repetitive mental flogging & dubious premise (coming from me, who’d sell all my books to buy a decent roof over my head, that’s saying something LOL).
On a side note, I dunno if the release of LV's book a month ago has made it a standard to crank it up a notch in terms of overcooked luv scenes & the minimum quota, ‘cuz from the moment Tarquin sets eyes on Diana again, they just keep bangin’ like a barroom door on a windy day, as in, the more, the merrier. It gets tiresome that whenever he tries to make her fess up 'bout her diabolical plan, she clams up. Then to spray acid on his sore open wounds, she goes nilly willy w/ the creepy villain like a shadow, when beckoned, after Tarquin finds a golden chance to corner her (his 3-day bushy stake-out was endearing yet pitiful). Also, for some unfathomable reason the unintended sly digs @ Patience made me smirk (sorry, can’t help it, I must’ve been bored outta my skull & LV’s atrocious book was still fresh in my scarred mind) :
<< “Patience” entered his lexicon as a synonym for “torture”. >> (hahaa… so true, that book was pure “torture” for me)
<< Patience is over-rated. >> (nods head in agreement)
PS : If U’ve watched Star Wars, U’ll know the plot twist (an homage to Darth Vader VS Luke Skywalker showdown).
PPS : The reason I switched to Jo Bev's latest in-between finishing this 1 was 'cuz the premise reminded me a bit of "Secrets of the nite" - which I luved to pieces.
I like hero's name, BTW, v. unique & not used too often, the only other book I can think of featuring same name is Jane Feather - Vice. If U've read AC's previous ab fab works, U're no stranger to her uber obsessive heroes. I luv obsessive, jealous, possessive heroes, but methinks Tarquin is inexplicably too hypnotized by Diana's spell, to the point that his pride-lowering aggressiveness in his pursue of her, came across as just a tad too pathetic for my taste. I dunno, mayhap I'm PMS-ing, but I really couldn't believe that the hero pops the question upon knowing that heroine's preggers & she turns him down. Whyyyy oh whyyy ? His prospects aren't too shabby, Tarquin's status is in equal footing w/ the baddie. Bad move. Oh and to have Tarquin show up in the nick of time for the wedding, after a severe beating ? Jeez louiz... he'd be better off letting the heroine reap what she sows. Also, we're told that Tarquin's a champion for the underprivileged / the poor / something like that, but we don't get shown what / how exactly he does to fight for his cause, 'cuz he's too busy trying to subdue his infatuated boner. The juicy luv scenes do have some palpable threads of tenderness & mutual feelings, but not enuff to overcum the repetitive mental flogging & dubious premise (coming from me, who’d sell all my books to buy a decent roof over my head, that’s saying something LOL).
On a side note, I dunno if the release of LV's book a month ago has made it a standard to crank it up a notch in terms of overcooked luv scenes & the minimum quota, ‘cuz from the moment Tarquin sets eyes on Diana again, they just keep bangin’ like a barroom door on a windy day, as in, the more, the merrier. It gets tiresome that whenever he tries to make her fess up 'bout her diabolical plan, she clams up. Then to spray acid on his sore open wounds, she goes nilly willy w/ the creepy villain like a shadow, when beckoned, after Tarquin finds a golden chance to corner her (his 3-day bushy stake-out was endearing yet pitiful). Also, for some unfathomable reason the unintended sly digs @ Patience made me smirk (sorry, can’t help it, I must’ve been bored outta my skull & LV’s atrocious book was still fresh in my scarred mind) :
<< “Patience” entered his lexicon as a synonym for “torture”. >> (hahaa… so true, that book was pure “torture” for me)
<< Patience is over-rated. >> (nods head in agreement)
PS : If U’ve watched Star Wars, U’ll know the plot twist (an homage to Darth Vader VS Luke Skywalker showdown).
PPS : The reason I switched to Jo Bev's latest in-between finishing this 1 was 'cuz the premise reminded me a bit of "Secrets of the nite" - which I luved to pieces.
August 10, 2018
Bulsam öldürürüm dediğim karakterlerde bugün: Diana Carrick
İftiharla değil kanlı bir katliamla sunar falan filan 😛
Okurken beni sinir eden, dellendiren karakterler her zaman olmuştur ancak beyninin pekmezini akıtma ihtiyacı hissettiklerim özel bir koleksiyon içinde varlığını sürdürüyor. Ve işte burada yeni üyemizi bulmuş bulunmaktayım.
Sinirlerime hayırlı uğurlu olsun!
Bu kadar oruspu, bu kadar kavaşe ruhlu kadın karakter de ilk defa gördüm, heroine olarak diyelim.
Çok teferruata girip yine sinirlerimi zıplatmak istemiyorum aslında ama susarsam içimde kalır, dert olur. Öyle olacağına yazayım diyorum.
Şimdi bu kaltak Diana, kâtip olan babasına yardım ediyor, ismini hatırlama zahmetine girmek istemediğim bir ihtiyar pislik markinin evini çekip çeviriyor.
Tabii bu buruşuk markinin bazı karın ağrıları var. Diana’ya bazı tekliflerle gidiyor, Diana, o aç köpek kadın yok mu, hemen atlıyor kabul ediyor malum teklifi.
Kont Ashcroft ise bir historical romance klasiği, ama okumaktan da hiç vazgeçmiyorum o ayrı, otuz ikisinde uslanmaz bir hovarda, çapkınların en iyisi.
Diana yanına bir teklifle geliyor, başlarda direniyor, sonra kabul ediyor. Kont sevdiğim bir karakter oldu, çünkü o bir kont 😎, ne istediğini bilen bir adam olarak varlığını sürdürdü. Bu çapkınların historical romancelarda dürüst ve centilmen oluşuna ayrı tav oluyorum zaten ya neyse.
Diana her şeye rağmen hep ihanet hep yalan dolan peşindeydi. Sinir olduğum kısım buydu. Tarquin gerçekleri öğrendiği anda o soğuk hâli oldukça normaldir benim için ama bir mektup ve bir tarihle her şeyi yok sayması?
Bakın bu olmadı, dedirtti.
Hayır, bas o kadına tekmeyi gel bana, ne yapacaksın bu dulu?!
Yazarı daha önce de severek okudum, bu kitapta da bunca çıldırışa rağmen keyif aldım. Sorun ettiğim şey kitabın uzatılması oldu, kitabın uzamasıyla sex scenes de doğal olarak uzamıştı. Diğer romanlarına göre dozu az biraz kaçırmıştı sanki. Diana gibi bir karakterin üzerine bari az ve öz yazılsaymış, dedim.
Dedim demeye de sevdim de ha.
Tuhaf bir arada kalış. 😅
İftiharla değil kanlı bir katliamla sunar falan filan 😛
Okurken beni sinir eden, dellendiren karakterler her zaman olmuştur ancak beyninin pekmezini akıtma ihtiyacı hissettiklerim özel bir koleksiyon içinde varlığını sürdürüyor. Ve işte burada yeni üyemizi bulmuş bulunmaktayım.
Sinirlerime hayırlı uğurlu olsun!
Bu kadar oruspu, bu kadar kavaşe ruhlu kadın karakter de ilk defa gördüm, heroine olarak diyelim.
Çok teferruata girip yine sinirlerimi zıplatmak istemiyorum aslında ama susarsam içimde kalır, dert olur. Öyle olacağına yazayım diyorum.
Şimdi bu kaltak Diana, kâtip olan babasına yardım ediyor, ismini hatırlama zahmetine girmek istemediğim bir ihtiyar pislik markinin evini çekip çeviriyor.
Tabii bu buruşuk markinin bazı karın ağrıları var. Diana’ya bazı tekliflerle gidiyor, Diana, o aç köpek kadın yok mu, hemen atlıyor kabul ediyor malum teklifi.
Kont Ashcroft ise bir historical romance klasiği, ama okumaktan da hiç vazgeçmiyorum o ayrı, otuz ikisinde uslanmaz bir hovarda, çapkınların en iyisi.
Diana yanına bir teklifle geliyor, başlarda direniyor, sonra kabul ediyor. Kont sevdiğim bir karakter oldu, çünkü o bir kont 😎, ne istediğini bilen bir adam olarak varlığını sürdürdü. Bu çapkınların historical romancelarda dürüst ve centilmen oluşuna ayrı tav oluyorum zaten ya neyse.
Diana her şeye rağmen hep ihanet hep yalan dolan peşindeydi. Sinir olduğum kısım buydu. Tarquin gerçekleri öğrendiği anda o soğuk hâli oldukça normaldir benim için ama bir mektup ve bir tarihle her şeyi yok sayması?
Bakın bu olmadı, dedirtti.
Hayır, bas o kadına tekmeyi gel bana, ne yapacaksın bu dulu?!
Yazarı daha önce de severek okudum, bu kitapta da bunca çıldırışa rağmen keyif aldım. Sorun ettiğim şey kitabın uzatılması oldu, kitabın uzamasıyla sex scenes de doğal olarak uzamıştı. Diğer romanlarına göre dozu az biraz kaçırmıştı sanki. Diana gibi bir karakterin üzerine bari az ve öz yazılsaymış, dedim.
Dedim demeye de sevdim de ha.
Tuhaf bir arada kalış. 😅
March 8, 2019
Oh.
My.
GOD.
How could I have slept on Anna Campbell for so long??
My Reckless Surrender is amazing! I can't articulate why I enjoyed it so much but I'll do my best. I simply want the experience of reading it for the first time again. Passionate from the beginning, Tarquin and Diana are a superb match for each other in this "heroine seduces hero for revenge" plot. It rings a bell to other stories in this genre where the heroine fails from the beginning to guard her heart, and the hero is incredibly besotted, prerequisites for this plot to function, it appears (ex. Lisa Kleypas' Lady Sophia's Lover; Brenda Joyce's The Conqueror); but My Reckless Surrender unfolds a little differently because there are no politics or vendettas here. Diana is convinced that the seduction won't hurt anybody (lol k) and from the very moment Diana arrives at Tarquin's house to proposition him, it is just
Honestly, My Reckless Surrender is a wonder. I have read other stories with similar set-ups and beginnings (woman suddenly propositions man she does not know) with fair to absolutely cruddy execution. Diana truly pursues him, at least for the first few chapters, and there is something that I love about a heroine who can banter, dish it out and take it. It's so much more fun. How great of Campbell to write the narrative so Diana is not in a powerless position when she asks for a discreet summer affair. She is the hunter and in fact, pretty much insults him from their very meeting by implying he is a stud bull for breeding, a local London attraction for country widows to check off their list. And it's not long before he's wearing his heart on his sleeve, even buying antique busts that remind him of her. It's great.
There are so many cute quips and unbelievably good scenes. I knew this was the real deal, a "stay past your bedtime to finish it" situation from the masquerade ball. We are on page 26, but we are covering ground. Hallelujah.
There's not much of a plot but to be honest, I am perfectly fine with thin plots for HRs as long as the story is intense, and the logic is mostly there. My Reckless Surrender has really cheered me up since a few HRs I've read of late have not been doing it, and I've resorted to rereading old favourites. It's great to discover a new HR author, even if it is personally appalling that it has been taken me this long to find out about her!
Now to make up for lost time...
My.
GOD.
How could I have slept on Anna Campbell for so long??
My Reckless Surrender is amazing! I can't articulate why I enjoyed it so much but I'll do my best. I simply want the experience of reading it for the first time again. Passionate from the beginning, Tarquin and Diana are a superb match for each other in this "heroine seduces hero for revenge" plot. It rings a bell to other stories in this genre where the heroine fails from the beginning to guard her heart, and the hero is incredibly besotted, prerequisites for this plot to function, it appears (ex. Lisa Kleypas' Lady Sophia's Lover; Brenda Joyce's The Conqueror); but My Reckless Surrender unfolds a little differently because there are no politics or vendettas here. Diana is convinced that the seduction won't hurt anybody (lol k) and from the very moment Diana arrives at Tarquin's house to proposition him, it is just
Honestly, My Reckless Surrender is a wonder. I have read other stories with similar set-ups and beginnings (woman suddenly propositions man she does not know) with fair to absolutely cruddy execution. Diana truly pursues him, at least for the first few chapters, and there is something that I love about a heroine who can banter, dish it out and take it. It's so much more fun. How great of Campbell to write the narrative so Diana is not in a powerless position when she asks for a discreet summer affair. She is the hunter and in fact, pretty much insults him from their very meeting by implying he is a stud bull for breeding, a local London attraction for country widows to check off their list. And it's not long before he's wearing his heart on his sleeve, even buying antique busts that remind him of her. It's great.
There are so many cute quips and unbelievably good scenes. I knew this was the real deal, a "stay past your bedtime to finish it" situation from the masquerade ball. We are on page 26, but we are covering ground. Hallelujah.
There's not much of a plot but to be honest, I am perfectly fine with thin plots for HRs as long as the story is intense, and the logic is mostly there. My Reckless Surrender has really cheered me up since a few HRs I've read of late have not been doing it, and I've resorted to rereading old favourites. It's great to discover a new HR author, even if it is personally appalling that it has been taken me this long to find out about her!
Now to make up for lost time...
June 5, 2010
This book is just as intense as Anna Campbell's previous books, but less dark. It's not especially plot driven, but the intensity kept me up past one am to finish it.
In Campbell's book, Claiming the Courtesan, the author took a risk in making the hero's actions despicable. In this book, it's the heroine that behaves inexcusably.
Diana is given the opportunity to marry an old, decrepit, marquis not long for this world and inherit an entailed house that she has always loved. The catch is that she has to be impregnated by Tarquin Ashbury before the marriage takes place.
The reasoning for this is that Tarquin is the bastard son of the marquis and this satisfies the marquis' vanity that his estate will still be given to an heir of his line. Tarquin has a rake's reputation, and even though Diana finds it unseemly and dishonorable, she doesn't think she will affect Tarquin's emotions. She thinks it's a fair trade.
Tarquin is a loner with a reputation. He doesn't know who his father is and keeps himself at a distance from everyone. He attaches physically and emotionally to Diana very intensely and quickly and naturally doesn't take it well when he finds out he's being used for his stud services.
This is a bit different for a romance in that the man is the "innocent" and the women is more conniving. It reads very quickly and I enjoyed it.
Diana frustrated me to no end but I realize she's supposed to.
In Campbell's book, Claiming the Courtesan, the author took a risk in making the hero's actions despicable. In this book, it's the heroine that behaves inexcusably.
Diana is given the opportunity to marry an old, decrepit, marquis not long for this world and inherit an entailed house that she has always loved. The catch is that she has to be impregnated by Tarquin Ashbury before the marriage takes place.
The reasoning for this is that Tarquin is the bastard son of the marquis and this satisfies the marquis' vanity that his estate will still be given to an heir of his line. Tarquin has a rake's reputation, and even though Diana finds it unseemly and dishonorable, she doesn't think she will affect Tarquin's emotions. She thinks it's a fair trade.
Tarquin is a loner with a reputation. He doesn't know who his father is and keeps himself at a distance from everyone. He attaches physically and emotionally to Diana very intensely and quickly and naturally doesn't take it well when he finds out he's being used for his stud services.
This is a bit different for a romance in that the man is the "innocent" and the women is more conniving. It reads very quickly and I enjoyed it.
Diana frustrated me to no end but I realize she's supposed to.
July 22, 2010
The back of this book sounded so good, but I should have known that I would end up not liking it, since I have never had any luck when it came to this author. Her so called rakes always seems so pathetic where the heroines are concerned. She tells you how bad the heroes are and yet you never get to see it because the second they meet the heroine they turn into untried school boys salivating at the mouth. She doesn't even give you a chance to root for the hero to fall in love with the heroine because by page 36 you pretty much know how he feels for her since this rake is trembling when he touches her. Give the reader a little chase before the surrender! All I need to enjoy a romance is to see and understand how the hero and heroine fall in love with each other, but in this book the author doesn't really take you on that journey.
April 11, 2011
Tried as I might this book was exceptionally hard to get through. The first 200 pages are nothing but sex and that's rare for a straight up historical especially from Avon. It's like reading toned down erotica. There's no relationship building or character development. After you labor through that there's lots of repetition and then finally you get to the end and it's totally unbelievable and dissatisfying.
Diana, the heroine, is completely unforgivable and for Tarquin Lord Ashcroft, the hero, to have forgiven her just like that made no sense. It came out of the blue what with the rushed ending and all. He was presented from the get-go as a die hard man of the world rake but as the story progressed he was a weak and needy character which again made no sense. The villain, the Marquess of Burnley was really good --so evil.
The writing style is still very good. Campbell is one of the few historical authors out there that writes a challenging prose, but the story, which had so much potential, is bogged down too long in a sexfest with no tension building and nothing really happening. I had no idea why the h/h wanted to be together apart from things being good in bed. The story starts out well with an intriguing secret that sucks you in quickly because you want to know what it is but once it's revealed it's downhill fast.
If you want sex with very limited story and good writing style then knock yourself out with this read. If you actually want an enjoyable story read her first book --now that's excellent :D
Diana, the heroine, is completely unforgivable and for Tarquin Lord Ashcroft, the hero, to have forgiven her just like that made no sense. It came out of the blue what with the rushed ending and all. He was presented from the get-go as a die hard man of the world rake but as the story progressed he was a weak and needy character which again made no sense. The villain, the Marquess of Burnley was really good --so evil.
The writing style is still very good. Campbell is one of the few historical authors out there that writes a challenging prose, but the story, which had so much potential, is bogged down too long in a sexfest with no tension building and nothing really happening. I had no idea why the h/h wanted to be together apart from things being good in bed. The story starts out well with an intriguing secret that sucks you in quickly because you want to know what it is but once it's revealed it's downhill fast.
If you want sex with very limited story and good writing style then knock yourself out with this read. If you actually want an enjoyable story read her first book --now that's excellent :D
dnf
November 18, 2021Nope. I just don't like it at all. I signed up for a romance. I got a book filled with historical sex. Which wouldn't even bother me if there had been ANYTHING at all to like in this book.
May 28, 2011
Based on some of my friends reviews, I was half expecting this to be the book that broke my winning streak by this author. After all, every author is bound to disappoint at some stage, especially given how much I loved my previous reads by Anna Campbell.
Well, this is NOT that book. While it was not without its problems, I still found myself completely under its spell, swept along on the tide of emotions. My Reckless Surrender is a more subtle read than her previous books, and in many ways more intimate. Rather than being plot-driven, this is definitely a character piece, and that for me was its strength.
Other reviewers have commented about the abundance of love scenes that begin early in the book and continue throughout. These were not at all gratuitous. They were necessary to the storyline, but more importantly, it was a surprisingly unique way of providing insight into the characters and allowing the reader to really come to know and understand them by slowly revealing information and providing understanding.
What started as a cold arrangement soon became much more, and we bore witness to each character's battle against allowing the undeniable and powerful emotions threatening to overwhelm them and divert them from their chosen path. The authors use of pace in revealing emotion and the peeling away of the character's self-deception, along with allowing the reader to learn about the characters' past, made for some powerfully immersive reading.
The motivation of Diana's character in her deliberate seduction of Tarquin, Earl of Ashcroft, was the one weakness in the book I agree with. While it wasn't exactly flimsy, I couldn't at all agree that the end justified the means. That said, while it didn't spoil the book, this might have been a 5 star read had I been able to see her decision as in any way necessary or justifiable. Unfortunately I didn't.
Tarquin, however, was a delicious hero, whose willingness to bare himself and show weakness endeared him to me enormously. The author's portrayal of this powerful man coming undone was magnificent. I completely felt and believed the strength of this couple's desire for each other, and that is one of this author's gifts.
Anna Campbell has written an admittedly different but still wonderful book that doesn't at all undermine her place as one of my favourite authors.
Well, this is NOT that book. While it was not without its problems, I still found myself completely under its spell, swept along on the tide of emotions. My Reckless Surrender is a more subtle read than her previous books, and in many ways more intimate. Rather than being plot-driven, this is definitely a character piece, and that for me was its strength.
Other reviewers have commented about the abundance of love scenes that begin early in the book and continue throughout. These were not at all gratuitous. They were necessary to the storyline, but more importantly, it was a surprisingly unique way of providing insight into the characters and allowing the reader to really come to know and understand them by slowly revealing information and providing understanding.
What started as a cold arrangement soon became much more, and we bore witness to each character's battle against allowing the undeniable and powerful emotions threatening to overwhelm them and divert them from their chosen path. The authors use of pace in revealing emotion and the peeling away of the character's self-deception, along with allowing the reader to learn about the characters' past, made for some powerfully immersive reading.
The motivation of Diana's character in her deliberate seduction of Tarquin, Earl of Ashcroft, was the one weakness in the book I agree with. While it wasn't exactly flimsy, I couldn't at all agree that the end justified the means. That said, while it didn't spoil the book, this might have been a 5 star read had I been able to see her decision as in any way necessary or justifiable. Unfortunately I didn't.
Tarquin, however, was a delicious hero, whose willingness to bare himself and show weakness endeared him to me enormously. The author's portrayal of this powerful man coming undone was magnificent. I completely felt and believed the strength of this couple's desire for each other, and that is one of this author's gifts.
Anna Campbell has written an admittedly different but still wonderful book that doesn't at all undermine her place as one of my favourite authors.
June 4, 2010
I was kinda worried when starting this book that so many people rated it low but for me this book was a 4 1/2 star. It kept me interested all the way through. I liked the hero and heroine and the love scenes were off the charts HOT! The ending left me very happy. I'm glad I picked this book up.
June 20, 2010
Anna's dark heroes turned good never fail to thrill.
September 14, 2024
My Review:
Just not in the right mindset to enjoy this book. So I will come back to it sometime later.
Just not in the right mindset to enjoy this book. So I will come back to it sometime later.
May 26, 2010
This was one delicious read! Anna Campbell never disappoints. I have one word for My Reckless Surrender, Fabulous!
June 29, 2010
It really is a sad day for me when I cannot finish a book. (I really jinxed myself when I was ranting and raving that I have been reading some 5 star books lately) I bought this book on a whim bc I saw it on iBooks that it was a heavily recommended book on their site. (then i saw some GR fans either loved it or hated it, so i decided to give it a try in the hopes that i would find a new author that i would love.) However, I could no longer bear the torture of reading this book past the 130 pages that I was able to get through.
Diana is being blackmailed by Lord Edgar. Lord Edgar wants Diana to seduce a man that he dislikes. Tarquin is the rake, Diana must seduce in order to get pregnant with his child so she can gain the Abbey she so dearly loves from Lord Edgar. What she doesn't know when she agrees to this bargain is that she would gain feelings for Tarquin.
From the pages that I did read it was 80% sexual encounter between the hero and the heroine. I believe I was unable to read on bc the character, Diana portrayed was a naive, nimwit who couldn't make up her mind. Whereas, for Tarquin I could've seen potential for his character but was highly detoured from reading on when he so was hypocritical when it came to believing Diana's poor seduction scheme. I believe if Campbell focused more on the hero and heroines character/personality in the beginning of the book versus getting down to the "rump in the sack" I could have kept reading and possibly enjoy this book.
I really hope others who read this book will find it more entertaining than I did.
Diana is being blackmailed by Lord Edgar. Lord Edgar wants Diana to seduce a man that he dislikes. Tarquin is the rake, Diana must seduce in order to get pregnant with his child so she can gain the Abbey she so dearly loves from Lord Edgar. What she doesn't know when she agrees to this bargain is that she would gain feelings for Tarquin.
From the pages that I did read it was 80% sexual encounter between the hero and the heroine. I believe I was unable to read on bc the character, Diana portrayed was a naive, nimwit who couldn't make up her mind. Whereas, for Tarquin I could've seen potential for his character but was highly detoured from reading on when he so was hypocritical when it came to believing Diana's poor seduction scheme. I believe if Campbell focused more on the hero and heroines character/personality in the beginning of the book versus getting down to the "rump in the sack" I could have kept reading and possibly enjoy this book.
I really hope others who read this book will find it more entertaining than I did.
May 26, 2010
One word....HOT!!!!!
There is major sizzle (or I should say fire) between Tarquin and Diana. Diana a woman who would do anything to get what she wanted and will use the oldest trick, she makes herself available to Tarquin under false pretenses, he puts up little resistance to her advances being the Rake that he is suppose to be. A country widow coming to town to find experience in the arms of a well known lover. Tarquin was chosen for a specific reason but through their affair they develope feelings for one another with the complication along the way to their happy ever after, I won't say typical complications because that is part of the story line with it's twists.
My Reckless Surrender, is it so reckless as Diana's moves were coldly calculated and if it's planned do that make it reckless? Anna Campbell has undoubtedly another best seller with this book.
With that said, there were times during reading that I became fustrated with Tarquin and Diana. A strong man turns into an love-sick fool for a woman who he can't classify, Diana knowingly deceives Tarquin and feels guilty about what she is doing yet she continues until the truth is known. Tarquin, Rake turned love-sick fool, follows her for answers only to find himself dumped on his doorsteps back in London and the doctor not sure he will live from the beating he endured, the man after recovering somewhat returns to Diana once more not sure of his plan or outcome.
There is major sizzle (or I should say fire) between Tarquin and Diana. Diana a woman who would do anything to get what she wanted and will use the oldest trick, she makes herself available to Tarquin under false pretenses, he puts up little resistance to her advances being the Rake that he is suppose to be. A country widow coming to town to find experience in the arms of a well known lover. Tarquin was chosen for a specific reason but through their affair they develope feelings for one another with the complication along the way to their happy ever after, I won't say typical complications because that is part of the story line with it's twists.
My Reckless Surrender, is it so reckless as Diana's moves were coldly calculated and if it's planned do that make it reckless? Anna Campbell has undoubtedly another best seller with this book.
With that said, there were times during reading that I became fustrated with Tarquin and Diana. A strong man turns into an love-sick fool for a woman who he can't classify, Diana knowingly deceives Tarquin and feels guilty about what she is doing yet she continues until the truth is known. Tarquin, Rake turned love-sick fool, follows her for answers only to find himself dumped on his doorsteps back in London and the doctor not sure he will live from the beating he endured, the man after recovering somewhat returns to Diana once more not sure of his plan or outcome.
July 28, 2010
I really enjoyed the first half of this book. Anna Campbell writes in a way that makes the story come alive. You can feel the heat, smell the smells that are described and just picture all of the surroundings. Two scenes in particular stand out to me. One being when the hero and heroine are in the alley just outside a masquerade they were attending. I felt as if I were right there with them, it was a very heated scene! The other was when they met in a carriage.. again, I felt as if I were part of the scene rather than reading about it. Having said all of that, I actually was really disappointed in this book.
The heroine's motives for doing what she was doing with the hero were not convincing to me. I don't think she was being true to her character, especially after she started falling in love with him.
I liked the hero, but he seemed to fall in love too quickly and did not push hard enough to get answers out of her. Then in the end when he came grovelling back to her I thought he didn't deserve her. She should have been the one on her knees begging for his forgiveness!
I have absolutely loved the other books by Anna Campbell that I have read but this one just didn't do it for me.
The heroine's motives for doing what she was doing with the hero were not convincing to me. I don't think she was being true to her character, especially after she started falling in love with him.
I liked the hero, but he seemed to fall in love too quickly and did not push hard enough to get answers out of her. Then in the end when he came grovelling back to her I thought he didn't deserve her. She should have been the one on her knees begging for his forgiveness!
I have absolutely loved the other books by Anna Campbell that I have read but this one just didn't do it for me.
July 7, 2015
Disclaimer: I had to put this one down. 3 minutes later, I picked it up and read the ending. I never do that. It was just so completely upsetting, yet engrossing that I completely wimped out and jumped straight to the end. Two days later, I picked up where I left off and plowed through.
This is not your regular HR novel about a pure-as-the-driven snow gentlewoman. She's (really) imperfect, the hero's imperfect, and yet it works out because they're adults and they're willing and able to move on with their lives, together.
I've been on an Anna Campbell bender lately, I know a sad day is coming soon when I've read all of her books. Luckily, I still have a pile to get through. There's a certain gothic aspect to her novels that I can't get enough of, and am completely smitten with her writing, even if some of the plot lines seem a little absurd at first. I don't care. I'm reading for fun, y'all, and her books are completely enthralling, even if you have to suspend your disbelief just a little bit. Also, they're real steamy. Campbell's books are well written, and I don't feel like I'm reading at an 8th grade reading level either.
Anna Campbell is officially my new favorite HR author!
This is not your regular HR novel about a pure-as-the-driven snow gentlewoman. She's (really) imperfect, the hero's imperfect, and yet it works out because they're adults and they're willing and able to move on with their lives, together.
I've been on an Anna Campbell bender lately, I know a sad day is coming soon when I've read all of her books. Luckily, I still have a pile to get through. There's a certain gothic aspect to her novels that I can't get enough of, and am completely smitten with her writing, even if some of the plot lines seem a little absurd at first. I don't care. I'm reading for fun, y'all, and her books are completely enthralling, even if you have to suspend your disbelief just a little bit. Also, they're real steamy. Campbell's books are well written, and I don't feel like I'm reading at an 8th grade reading level either.
Anna Campbell is officially my new favorite HR author!
July 7, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, however, it is probably my least favorite of Anna Campbell's. I just didn't think that the heroine's motivations were terribly realistic, therefore, the whole premise of the book was shaky. If you took out the steamy parts (there were lots of them and they were quite steamy!) there wouldn't be a whole lot of book left. BUT, again, Anna writes such compelling characters that you get totally sucked into the book, no matter what the plot is. And, really, the interaction of the H/h is what it's all about.
June 14, 2015
What a great book! A sweet love story between a hell-raising young aristocrat and a country widow.
Diana Carrick goes to London with plans to seduce Tarquin Vale, the Earl of Ashcroft Her plan succeeds but she falls in love with him. He has never had the feelings for any woman that he has for her and doesn’t want her to leave London. He follows her and learns the truth behind her seductive actions. He should despise her but he can’t for he loves her too much and he can’t let her go.
Diana Carrick goes to London with plans to seduce Tarquin Vale, the Earl of Ashcroft Her plan succeeds but she falls in love with him. He has never had the feelings for any woman that he has for her and doesn’t want her to leave London. He follows her and learns the truth behind her seductive actions. He should despise her but he can’t for he loves her too much and he can’t let her go.
January 3, 2016
This book is well written, fast paced and the sex scenes are great. But I still don't really buy the romance between the leads. With most Campbell books, the hero and heroine start off from a place of deceit, but they get to know each other, they are most definitely in lust throughout their courtship and fall in love and forgive each other. I just don't buy the forgiveness part and the falling in love just seemed a little too random for me.
June 12, 2010
Another fantastic book by Anna Campbell her heros and heroines are to die for loved it from start to finish
August 15, 2015
Severek okudum ancak erotik sahneler çok fazla idi..
June 19, 2024
Dit is een weinig verhaal maar veel erotiek boek , wanneer ik het verhaal zou moeten samenvatten zou ik aan een half A4tje genoeg hebben . Ik mis in dit soort verhalen het verliefd worden en het verdiepen van een relatie .
August 28, 2011
Anna Campbell’s latest novel, My Reckless Surrender, starts with a story of undeniable lust that burns throughout the first half of the book only to continue in the second half with a charming story that tears at your heartstrings. Readers will not be disappointed in this splendid tale of an infamous rake’s fall and the dazzling widow who caught him.
“I want to be your lover.” Diana Carrick utters this shocking line to the infamous rake Tarquin Vale, Earl of Ashcroft. Therein starts this seductive and deceptive tale of a mischievous plan that began innocently but ended differently than anyone expected. The Earl’s initial response is confusion, unable to conceive what brought Diana to his library and what made her make this shocking claim. While every instinct tells him to cast her aside and forget her, he cannot deny their attraction and his ultimate fascination with this alluring widow.
Diana has made a deal with the devil, or rather her father’s employer the Marquess of Burnley, a terminally ill man with vengeance on his mind. His deal? Sleep with the Earl and become pregnant with his child. In return, Burley will marry her, claim the Earl's child as his heir so she can become the mistress of Cranston Abbey, a property that is worth everything to Diana. This seems simple enough...dangerous, yet a small road block to overcome in order to lead her to the ultimate prize. The only difficulty is hiding this deceit from the Earl and not losing her heart to him in the process. Unfortunately, limiting their association to be just another summer affair is easier said than done for both Diana and Tarquin. If or when Tarquin finds out the truth, will it be too late for their happily ever after?
The first half of this story is scorching. The real basis for the beginning of Diana and Tarquin’s affair is a physical attraction that neither one of them can control. It overwhelms both of them from the start which is terrifying to this couple. Diana becomes afraid their relationship will develop into something more, something that will break her heart forever. Tarquin becomes afraid of the new emotions he feels for her and how difficult it is becoming to remain distant.
The characters were amazing. Tarquin is established as a ruthless rake early on, and the growth of his character that takes place throughout the book is spectacular. You go through the emotions with him as he develops a heart, a conscience, and an ambition to be a better person. Diana on the other hand is initially so overwhelmed with shame and despair it can feel awkward and uncomfortable at times. She is a difficult heroine to stand behind, and rightly so. Her actions and reasoning are confusing and difficult to understand. She is as intriguing to the reader as she is to Tarquin.
The second half of the story lets go of the lust and cranks up the heartache. Each page brings another element to complicate their relationship and that brings with it more uncertainty as to the outcome of the story. The book wraps a spell around you to the point where you cannot quit turning the pages and cannot for any reason whatsoever, put the book down. It touches every possible emotion and sweeps you away into a beautifully written story that is impossible to not love. The characters, the plot, the emotional adventure all make for one irresistible story. To surrender your time to read this book and money to own it is anything but reckless.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Heat Level: 4/5
Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter
“I want to be your lover.” Diana Carrick utters this shocking line to the infamous rake Tarquin Vale, Earl of Ashcroft. Therein starts this seductive and deceptive tale of a mischievous plan that began innocently but ended differently than anyone expected. The Earl’s initial response is confusion, unable to conceive what brought Diana to his library and what made her make this shocking claim. While every instinct tells him to cast her aside and forget her, he cannot deny their attraction and his ultimate fascination with this alluring widow.
Diana has made a deal with the devil, or rather her father’s employer the Marquess of Burnley, a terminally ill man with vengeance on his mind. His deal? Sleep with the Earl and become pregnant with his child. In return, Burley will marry her, claim the Earl's child as his heir so she can become the mistress of Cranston Abbey, a property that is worth everything to Diana. This seems simple enough...dangerous, yet a small road block to overcome in order to lead her to the ultimate prize. The only difficulty is hiding this deceit from the Earl and not losing her heart to him in the process. Unfortunately, limiting their association to be just another summer affair is easier said than done for both Diana and Tarquin. If or when Tarquin finds out the truth, will it be too late for their happily ever after?
The first half of this story is scorching. The real basis for the beginning of Diana and Tarquin’s affair is a physical attraction that neither one of them can control. It overwhelms both of them from the start which is terrifying to this couple. Diana becomes afraid their relationship will develop into something more, something that will break her heart forever. Tarquin becomes afraid of the new emotions he feels for her and how difficult it is becoming to remain distant.
The characters were amazing. Tarquin is established as a ruthless rake early on, and the growth of his character that takes place throughout the book is spectacular. You go through the emotions with him as he develops a heart, a conscience, and an ambition to be a better person. Diana on the other hand is initially so overwhelmed with shame and despair it can feel awkward and uncomfortable at times. She is a difficult heroine to stand behind, and rightly so. Her actions and reasoning are confusing and difficult to understand. She is as intriguing to the reader as she is to Tarquin.
The second half of the story lets go of the lust and cranks up the heartache. Each page brings another element to complicate their relationship and that brings with it more uncertainty as to the outcome of the story. The book wraps a spell around you to the point where you cannot quit turning the pages and cannot for any reason whatsoever, put the book down. It touches every possible emotion and sweeps you away into a beautifully written story that is impossible to not love. The characters, the plot, the emotional adventure all make for one irresistible story. To surrender your time to read this book and money to own it is anything but reckless.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Heat Level: 4/5
Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter
March 8, 2018
There's lots of sex in this and at first I felt it was gratuitous. Okay, maybe there is a bit more than necessary for development of the story, but at least it's done well so that you see the lust and rabbit sex developing into real, true love and it's not cold, clinical (and yet rather vulgar) sex like in Lisa Valdez's PATIENCE, for example. Premise of the story seems familiar to me, like a meld of a few books I've read in the past: A young widow (Diana Warrick) chooses a complete stranger to have an affair with, propositioning him by telling him she wants more sexual experience. Her goal (unbeknownst to him) is to get pregnant. Her pregnancy is a requirement for marriage to an aging, dying marquess, with the ultimate goal of becoming custodian of Cranston Abbey, where she lives with her father as the marquess' baliff. Tarquin Vale, Earl of Ashcroft, said to be a degenerate, jaded rake, has been chosen as her sexual partner, but it is not a random choice. That's all that can be said about that without spoilers.
Our H and h in this Campbell creation are not as tortured souls as in CAPTIVE OF SIN, her previous romance, although you do have some minimal angst caused by childhood loneliness and family relationship problems. The back story of the two is revealed slowly, after Campbell has her readers hooked on (or turned off by, depending on the reader) the almost nonstop sex. Both H and h are interesting, complex characters and they need to be because they alone carry the story for most of the book. He, in addition, turns out to be likeable, unexpectedly principled, loving, generous and compassionate. She is a bit more of a puzzle, coming off a bit mercenary, opportunistic, closed off emotionally, although she does feel tremendous guilt about what she is doing. I was left feeling that her motivations for her actions should not have been strong enough for her to continue along that path for most of the book and found myself not liking her very much. Not so our hero. He has love strong enough and forgiving enough that he makes the book for me. There are some heart-wrenching moments in this. Our hero and the author's writing make up for the undeserving heroine.
Our H and h in this Campbell creation are not as tortured souls as in CAPTIVE OF SIN, her previous romance, although you do have some minimal angst caused by childhood loneliness and family relationship problems. The back story of the two is revealed slowly, after Campbell has her readers hooked on (or turned off by, depending on the reader) the almost nonstop sex. Both H and h are interesting, complex characters and they need to be because they alone carry the story for most of the book. He, in addition, turns out to be likeable, unexpectedly principled, loving, generous and compassionate. She is a bit more of a puzzle, coming off a bit mercenary, opportunistic, closed off emotionally, although she does feel tremendous guilt about what she is doing. I was left feeling that her motivations for her actions should not have been strong enough for her to continue along that path for most of the book and found myself not liking her very much. Not so our hero. He has love strong enough and forgiving enough that he makes the book for me. There are some heart-wrenching moments in this. Our hero and the author's writing make up for the undeserving heroine.
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October 11, 2020I know through Romance Writers of Australia that Anna Campbell has a big reputation in her field, so I was disappointed with this book, the first of Anna's that I've read. Perhaps I'm growing tired of Regency-style Romances, perhaps I'm growing tired of a certain predictability in current writing styles, or perhaps it's just the heroine who turned me off, completely, but I found myself growing impatient with this book.
I suppose Anna's explicit descriptions of the sexual act were fundamental to a book based on the premise that the heroine was determined to become pregnant by the hero, a man targetted for her own selfish reasons, but I would have preferred more subtlety. The book's cover and its title, too, made a mockery of the opening lines - there's not much surrendering required when the heroine's first words are 'I want to be your lover'. I did not see this book as 'truly, deeply romantic', the claim made on its cover, but as a bit tawdry.
I suppose Anna's explicit descriptions of the sexual act were fundamental to a book based on the premise that the heroine was determined to become pregnant by the hero, a man targetted for her own selfish reasons, but I would have preferred more subtlety. The book's cover and its title, too, made a mockery of the opening lines - there's not much surrendering required when the heroine's first words are 'I want to be your lover'. I did not see this book as 'truly, deeply romantic', the claim made on its cover, but as a bit tawdry.
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