Gothic Love Stories box set
Gothic Love Stories by Erica Ridley
Too Wicked to Kiss
Synopsis
HIS TOUCH HOLDS HER CAPTIVE
From the ravens circling its spires to the gargoyles adorning its roof, Blackberry Manor looms ominously over its rambling grounds. And behind its doors, amid the flickering shadows and secret passageways, danger lies in wait…
TO HIS EVERY DARK DESIRE
Evangeline Pemberton has been invited to a party at the sprawling estate of reclusive Gavin Lioncroft, who is rumored to have killed in cold blood. Initially, his towering presence and brusque manner instill fear… until his seductive attentions and unexpected vulnerability conquer her resistance.
But when a guest is murdered, Evangeline is torn. Could the man to whom she is so powerfully drawn, also be a ruthless killer?
Review
Evangeline will go to any length to escape her monster of a step-father. She will even place herself in the care of the conniving Lady Stratford, and risk staying with brooding murderer, Lord Lioncroft.
I received a free copy of the Gothic Love Stories box-set from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Evangeline is desperate to be rid of her step-father - the man guilty of killing her mother, and prone to fits of violence. As far as the law is concerned, she is his legal property until she comes of age in a month's time. And her step-father is not willing to let her escape him, he intends to put her skills to good use and make his fortune.
It's no wonder that she jumps at the opportunity to be whisked away by Lady Stanton and her daughter, to go to a house party held by an outcast. Evangeline doesn't pause to wonder why her acquaintances are so keen to have her on board.
Gavin Lioncroft is a recluse. After being blamed for the death of his parents ten years ago, he was shunned by society, and Gavin has spent every day since shunning them back. He has a savage nature, and is not tempered by the rules of the ton. He doesn't think twice about lashing out against the brute who married his sister.
When the same odious brother-in-law is found dead in Gavin's house, everyone is convinced that Lioncroft is the killer. Only Evangeline and her unusual skills can aid him.
I really enjoyed this story.
I felt so sorry for Evangeline, and understood her reluctance to get close (physically or mentally) to anyone. She's independent, and doesn't fit in with the upper class, nor the servants, so she's often alone. I liked how she started to accept the friendship of Susan Stanton and Gavin's nieces.
Gavin has been punishing himself for a decade, and he's finally forced to be civil with other people. I loved watching them mend the relationship between him and his sister. Gavin stays true to himself, with a fierceness and unpredictability. That being said, there were some endearingly sweet scenes, as he clearly can't hide his growing feelings for Evangeline.
The plot was generally good. I thought that everyone was a bit blase that a) someone had died in the house and, b) the murderer was still there.
I know they all had their own secrets to protect, but everyone was far too relaxed.
In the second half of the book, I thought things got a bit repetitive - and not just looping the plot, there were instances of repeating phrases and conversations in quick succession.
Overall, this was a 3.5 out of 5 for me. I enjoyed it and look forward to the rest of the series.
Goodreads
Amazon
Too Sinful to Deny
One look at the towering ocean-side manor that is to be her new home, and exiled socialite Susan Stanton knows: This is a place haunted by secrets, and riddled with menace.
For Susan, there is no escaping the most dangerous element of all—dark-haired smuggler Evan Bothwick, a man whose rakish countenance cannot hide his wicked intent.
But Susan has a secret of her own—a special gift that renders her privy to the darkest mysteries lurking within the walls of the manor and in the labyrinthine cellars beneath. And the only man who can help her is the very rogue she would do anything to be able to resist…
Review
After disappointing her society-driven mother too many times, Susan is banished to stay with a country cousin. The impossibly dull location is made a little more exciting by ghosts, pirates, and a certain Mr Bothwick.
I received a free copy of the Gothic Love Stories box-set from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This follows Susan, who was a side character in Too Wicked to Kiss (book 1), in which she is shunned by society for being a tattletale, and shunned by her mother for failing to trap Lord Lioncroft in marriage.
This second book starts with Susan showing further disobedience to her mother, by sneaking out and almost drowning at the Frost Fair.
Rather than care for her daughter's well-being, Lady Stanton sends her away from London, until her previous "ill behaviour" is forgotten about.
Susan ends up in a seaside town with no entertainment fit for a lady, no friends, and no chance of escape. Worse, she is plagued by ghosts, since her own brush with death. She finds an unlikely ally in Dead Mr Bothwick, and seeks to uncover the mystery surrounding his death, and her cousin's captivity.
Mr Bothwick's living brother, Evan, has sworn to stay away from Miss Stanton. She's the sort of marriage-chasing society prim that he has no interest in. He has no intention of falling into any sort of commitment with a woman. But Susan surprises him, by being opinioned, head-strong, and more than a little odd.
I really, really wanted to like this one. I enjoyed its predecessor, and come on, this one includes ghosts and pirates.
Unfortunately, it lost the flowing, easy-to-read narrative of the other books in this boxset. Sentences were jumbled and the plot was hard to follow. It felt like the author didn't know what she wanted to achieve with any particular scene, but kept writing anyway.
I was very disappointed, this was a great idea, but the execution just gave me a headache.
I wanted to like Susan, and she had some glimmers of hope, but overall I didn't buy her as a character. She didn't seem to grasp the danger she was in, with her cousin and her husband. Or, she did, but it didn't seem to bother her that she had to keep sleeping in their home. She's keen to escape, and seems quite selfish in that endeavour.
She had a plan that she was going to escape via an assembly at Bath, but not for a couple of weeks. It was frustrating, and her thoughts were dismally repetitive, as she stewed in her misfortune and didn't make any effort, except when she was being harried by a ghost.
I'm glad this wasn't the first book in the boxset, as it would have put me off the rest.
Goodreads
Amazon
Too Tempting to Resist
Synopsis
When a new heir inherits the castle, poor relation Miss Rebecca Bond must wed immediately or be out on her ear. The only man she ever loved is summoned to hear the will—but their past ended so badly that they haven’t spoken in years. Yet who better than a heartless rake to teach her how to snare a gentleman who appreciates her charms?
Daniel Godwin, Lord Stonebury, regrets nothing more than losing the one woman who treated him like a man, not a title. Fate has given him the perfect pretext to win her trust—even if it means watching her wed someone else. But now that she's back in his life, he’ll do anything to convince her to choose him instead...
Review
Rebecca is content with her life as the invisible relative in a lonely castle. When the new heir threatens to throw her out, she has to turn to an unlikely ally - the man who broke her heart and drove her into hiding - Lord Stonebury.
I received a free copy of the Gothic Love Stories box-set from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
After having her heart publicly broken by Lord Stonebury, Rebecca had to leave society. Before she could return, her parents died, leaving her alone and forgotten. Even the people within the castle think she's a ghost.
Rather than be upset by this outcome, Rebecca embraces the freedom this gives her. She develops her own sense of independence, and finds challenges for her intellect in running the accounts and designing devilish mazes.
When her relative dies and the new heir takes over, this freedom is quickly lost. She has to leave her haven, by way of marriage, as that is all women are good for.
Daniel's biggest regret was losing the only girl he's ever loved. When he gets a notice about a will-reading for the old owner of Rebecca's castle, he jumps at the chance to finally make amends, even if it means seeing her married to another man.
Wow, that book was shorter than I anticipated - I was not expecting a novella.
It's great to see that Ridley's writing is back on form, after the confusing Too Sinful to Deny (book 2). Even though this is a small story, it was so easy to get pulled in and enjoy every moment.
It is simple, straight-forward, not particularly gothic, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Rebecca is a great character. She approaches everything with logic, and knows that her best chance of a successful future is to find a man that will allow her the freedom to work, or help with the estate and keep her mind active.
Daniel is more perfect than she can know. For the last few years, society's gossip columns have loved this charming bachelor, who is never seen with the same woman twice. But the truth is much sweeter, and much more appealing - Daniel is engrossed in matters that have arisen in the House of Lords, and he is passionate about doing his part for his country.
The story wrapped up very quickly. With it only being a novella, there were no side plots, just the satisfactory reunion of these two old friends.
Goodreads
Amazon
Too Wanton to Wed
Synopsis
TRAPPED IN DARKNESS
Violet Whitechapel committed an unspeakable crime to save a child. To escape the hangman’s noose, she takes refuge in a crumbling abbey with secrets darker than her own. When its master offers her a temporary post, Violet cannot say no. Just as she begins to see him in a new light, her past catches up to her and endangers them all…
THEIR PASSION BURNS BRIGHT
Alistair Waldegrave keeps his daughter imprisoned in the black heart of his Gothic abbey. As he searches for a cure to the disease the villagers call demonic, his new governess brings much needed light into their lives. But how can the passion between them survive the darkness encroaching from outside their sheltered walls?
Overall ~ 4 out of 5
Too Wicked to Kiss3.5 out of 5
Synopsis
HIS TOUCH HOLDS HER CAPTIVE
From the ravens circling its spires to the gargoyles adorning its roof, Blackberry Manor looms ominously over its rambling grounds. And behind its doors, amid the flickering shadows and secret passageways, danger lies in wait…
TO HIS EVERY DARK DESIRE
Evangeline Pemberton has been invited to a party at the sprawling estate of reclusive Gavin Lioncroft, who is rumored to have killed in cold blood. Initially, his towering presence and brusque manner instill fear… until his seductive attentions and unexpected vulnerability conquer her resistance.
But when a guest is murdered, Evangeline is torn. Could the man to whom she is so powerfully drawn, also be a ruthless killer?
Review
Evangeline will go to any length to escape her monster of a step-father. She will even place herself in the care of the conniving Lady Stratford, and risk staying with brooding murderer, Lord Lioncroft.
I received a free copy of the Gothic Love Stories box-set from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Evangeline is desperate to be rid of her step-father - the man guilty of killing her mother, and prone to fits of violence. As far as the law is concerned, she is his legal property until she comes of age in a month's time. And her step-father is not willing to let her escape him, he intends to put her skills to good use and make his fortune.
It's no wonder that she jumps at the opportunity to be whisked away by Lady Stanton and her daughter, to go to a house party held by an outcast. Evangeline doesn't pause to wonder why her acquaintances are so keen to have her on board.
Gavin Lioncroft is a recluse. After being blamed for the death of his parents ten years ago, he was shunned by society, and Gavin has spent every day since shunning them back. He has a savage nature, and is not tempered by the rules of the ton. He doesn't think twice about lashing out against the brute who married his sister.
When the same odious brother-in-law is found dead in Gavin's house, everyone is convinced that Lioncroft is the killer. Only Evangeline and her unusual skills can aid him.
I really enjoyed this story.
I felt so sorry for Evangeline, and understood her reluctance to get close (physically or mentally) to anyone. She's independent, and doesn't fit in with the upper class, nor the servants, so she's often alone. I liked how she started to accept the friendship of Susan Stanton and Gavin's nieces.
Gavin has been punishing himself for a decade, and he's finally forced to be civil with other people. I loved watching them mend the relationship between him and his sister. Gavin stays true to himself, with a fierceness and unpredictability. That being said, there were some endearingly sweet scenes, as he clearly can't hide his growing feelings for Evangeline.
The plot was generally good. I thought that everyone was a bit blase that a) someone had died in the house and, b) the murderer was still there.
I know they all had their own secrets to protect, but everyone was far too relaxed.
In the second half of the book, I thought things got a bit repetitive - and not just looping the plot, there were instances of repeating phrases and conversations in quick succession.
Overall, this was a 3.5 out of 5 for me. I enjoyed it and look forward to the rest of the series.
Goodreads
Amazon
~~~~~
Too Sinful to Deny2 out of 5
SynopsisOne look at the towering ocean-side manor that is to be her new home, and exiled socialite Susan Stanton knows: This is a place haunted by secrets, and riddled with menace.
For Susan, there is no escaping the most dangerous element of all—dark-haired smuggler Evan Bothwick, a man whose rakish countenance cannot hide his wicked intent.
But Susan has a secret of her own—a special gift that renders her privy to the darkest mysteries lurking within the walls of the manor and in the labyrinthine cellars beneath. And the only man who can help her is the very rogue she would do anything to be able to resist…
After disappointing her society-driven mother too many times, Susan is banished to stay with a country cousin. The impossibly dull location is made a little more exciting by ghosts, pirates, and a certain Mr Bothwick.
I received a free copy of the Gothic Love Stories box-set from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This follows Susan, who was a side character in Too Wicked to Kiss (book 1), in which she is shunned by society for being a tattletale, and shunned by her mother for failing to trap Lord Lioncroft in marriage.
This second book starts with Susan showing further disobedience to her mother, by sneaking out and almost drowning at the Frost Fair.
Rather than care for her daughter's well-being, Lady Stanton sends her away from London, until her previous "ill behaviour" is forgotten about.
Susan ends up in a seaside town with no entertainment fit for a lady, no friends, and no chance of escape. Worse, she is plagued by ghosts, since her own brush with death. She finds an unlikely ally in Dead Mr Bothwick, and seeks to uncover the mystery surrounding his death, and her cousin's captivity.
Mr Bothwick's living brother, Evan, has sworn to stay away from Miss Stanton. She's the sort of marriage-chasing society prim that he has no interest in. He has no intention of falling into any sort of commitment with a woman. But Susan surprises him, by being opinioned, head-strong, and more than a little odd.
I really, really wanted to like this one. I enjoyed its predecessor, and come on, this one includes ghosts and pirates.
Unfortunately, it lost the flowing, easy-to-read narrative of the other books in this boxset. Sentences were jumbled and the plot was hard to follow. It felt like the author didn't know what she wanted to achieve with any particular scene, but kept writing anyway.
I was very disappointed, this was a great idea, but the execution just gave me a headache.
I wanted to like Susan, and she had some glimmers of hope, but overall I didn't buy her as a character. She didn't seem to grasp the danger she was in, with her cousin and her husband. Or, she did, but it didn't seem to bother her that she had to keep sleeping in their home. She's keen to escape, and seems quite selfish in that endeavour.
She had a plan that she was going to escape via an assembly at Bath, but not for a couple of weeks. It was frustrating, and her thoughts were dismally repetitive, as she stewed in her misfortune and didn't make any effort, except when she was being harried by a ghost.
I'm glad this wasn't the first book in the boxset, as it would have put me off the rest.
Goodreads
Amazon
~~~~~
4 out of 5
Synopsis
When a new heir inherits the castle, poor relation Miss Rebecca Bond must wed immediately or be out on her ear. The only man she ever loved is summoned to hear the will—but their past ended so badly that they haven’t spoken in years. Yet who better than a heartless rake to teach her how to snare a gentleman who appreciates her charms?
Daniel Godwin, Lord Stonebury, regrets nothing more than losing the one woman who treated him like a man, not a title. Fate has given him the perfect pretext to win her trust—even if it means watching her wed someone else. But now that she's back in his life, he’ll do anything to convince her to choose him instead...
Review
Rebecca is content with her life as the invisible relative in a lonely castle. When the new heir threatens to throw her out, she has to turn to an unlikely ally - the man who broke her heart and drove her into hiding - Lord Stonebury.
I received a free copy of the Gothic Love Stories box-set from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
After having her heart publicly broken by Lord Stonebury, Rebecca had to leave society. Before she could return, her parents died, leaving her alone and forgotten. Even the people within the castle think she's a ghost.
Rather than be upset by this outcome, Rebecca embraces the freedom this gives her. She develops her own sense of independence, and finds challenges for her intellect in running the accounts and designing devilish mazes.
When her relative dies and the new heir takes over, this freedom is quickly lost. She has to leave her haven, by way of marriage, as that is all women are good for.
Daniel's biggest regret was losing the only girl he's ever loved. When he gets a notice about a will-reading for the old owner of Rebecca's castle, he jumps at the chance to finally make amends, even if it means seeing her married to another man.
Wow, that book was shorter than I anticipated - I was not expecting a novella.
It's great to see that Ridley's writing is back on form, after the confusing Too Sinful to Deny (book 2). Even though this is a small story, it was so easy to get pulled in and enjoy every moment.
It is simple, straight-forward, not particularly gothic, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Rebecca is a great character. She approaches everything with logic, and knows that her best chance of a successful future is to find a man that will allow her the freedom to work, or help with the estate and keep her mind active.
Daniel is more perfect than she can know. For the last few years, society's gossip columns have loved this charming bachelor, who is never seen with the same woman twice. But the truth is much sweeter, and much more appealing - Daniel is engrossed in matters that have arisen in the House of Lords, and he is passionate about doing his part for his country.
The story wrapped up very quickly. With it only being a novella, there were no side plots, just the satisfactory reunion of these two old friends.
Goodreads
Amazon
~~~~~
Too Wanton to Wed5 out of 5
Synopsis
TRAPPED IN DARKNESS
Violet Whitechapel committed an unspeakable crime to save a child. To escape the hangman’s noose, she takes refuge in a crumbling abbey with secrets darker than her own. When its master offers her a temporary post, Violet cannot say no. Just as she begins to see him in a new light, her past catches up to her and endangers them all…
THEIR PASSION BURNS BRIGHT
Alistair Waldegrave keeps his daughter imprisoned in the black heart of his Gothic abbey. As he searches for a cure to the disease the villagers call demonic, his new governess brings much needed light into their lives. But how can the passion between them survive the darkness encroaching from outside their sheltered walls?
Review
After being involved in a murder, Violet only thinks of running. When she is discovered at Waldegrave Abbey, she is drawn into its shadows, its secrets, and potentially more.
I received a free copy of the Gothic Love Stories box-set from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
When defending one of her vulnerable students from some lecherous gentlemen, Violet is not sorry to have had a hand in their deaths. Knowing the law won't hesitate to punish her for her crimes, she runs away, seeking to live long enough to hire a lawyer who might moderate her sentence. She runs as far as she can, before collapsing on Waldegrave land.
Violet is taken within the dark walls, and given the chance to live a dark life, with monsters and vampires.
Alistair Waldegrave hadn't been planning on adding to his staff, but he will try anything to bring happiness to his feral daughter, even assigning the mysterious Violet as her governess.
In his over-protectiveness of his ill daughter, he has allowed Waldegrave Abbey to become a tomb, with its inhabitants merely existing. They need Violet to break the cycle, as much as anything else.
I really enjoyed this one.
This is the fourth and final book in the Gothic Love Stories box-set, and it was a perfect story to end with.
It is beautifully gothic, with the darkness and secrets, with the rumours of demons and vampires; and one little girl in so much pain it hurts everyone around her.
I loved that this was focussing on both members of the Waldegrave family, not just the romantic storyline of Violet and Alistair.
I don't like children, they are horrible creatures, but Alistair's daughter Lillian has to be one of the most well-written and emotionally-moving side-characters I have ever read. She is not there as a token character, or to help move the main plot along, she is the plot. Lillian is a main character in her own right.
I really liked Alistair, he would go to the ends of the world for his daughter, but he is tired of being seen as the villain, for trying to keep her safe. He's stuck in the past, putting his whole life on pause, ready for the day when his daughter will be well again; but months have turned into years and he is losing hope.
He is great for Violet, and I did a little cheer when there were a a few moments that could have gone down the usual judgey-romantic-angst trope, but instead he was perfectly supportive.
I loved Violet as our main character. She came from nothing, a street urchin, who found a passion in art and teaching young girls. She lives each day as if it were her last and never has regrets.
With her own troubled history, Violet is wonderfully sympathetic to her students, encouraging them to live again. She brings this positivity to the dark halls of Waldegrave Abbey, and she can't help but fall for Alistair and his daughter.
I did more cheering as Violet is completely independent and doesn't need a man to swoop in and save her. She makes her own plans and sees them through.
I very much enjoyed this finale to the box-set, and I'm looking forward to reading more of Ridley's work.
After being involved in a murder, Violet only thinks of running. When she is discovered at Waldegrave Abbey, she is drawn into its shadows, its secrets, and potentially more.
I received a free copy of the Gothic Love Stories box-set from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
When defending one of her vulnerable students from some lecherous gentlemen, Violet is not sorry to have had a hand in their deaths. Knowing the law won't hesitate to punish her for her crimes, she runs away, seeking to live long enough to hire a lawyer who might moderate her sentence. She runs as far as she can, before collapsing on Waldegrave land.
Violet is taken within the dark walls, and given the chance to live a dark life, with monsters and vampires.
Alistair Waldegrave hadn't been planning on adding to his staff, but he will try anything to bring happiness to his feral daughter, even assigning the mysterious Violet as her governess.
In his over-protectiveness of his ill daughter, he has allowed Waldegrave Abbey to become a tomb, with its inhabitants merely existing. They need Violet to break the cycle, as much as anything else.
I really enjoyed this one.
This is the fourth and final book in the Gothic Love Stories box-set, and it was a perfect story to end with.
It is beautifully gothic, with the darkness and secrets, with the rumours of demons and vampires; and one little girl in so much pain it hurts everyone around her.
I loved that this was focussing on both members of the Waldegrave family, not just the romantic storyline of Violet and Alistair.
I don't like children, they are horrible creatures, but Alistair's daughter Lillian has to be one of the most well-written and emotionally-moving side-characters I have ever read. She is not there as a token character, or to help move the main plot along, she is the plot. Lillian is a main character in her own right.
I really liked Alistair, he would go to the ends of the world for his daughter, but he is tired of being seen as the villain, for trying to keep her safe. He's stuck in the past, putting his whole life on pause, ready for the day when his daughter will be well again; but months have turned into years and he is losing hope.
He is great for Violet, and I did a little cheer when there were a a few moments that could have gone down the usual judgey-romantic-angst trope, but instead he was perfectly supportive.
I loved Violet as our main character. She came from nothing, a street urchin, who found a passion in art and teaching young girls. She lives each day as if it were her last and never has regrets.
With her own troubled history, Violet is wonderfully sympathetic to her students, encouraging them to live again. She brings this positivity to the dark halls of Waldegrave Abbey, and she can't help but fall for Alistair and his daughter.
I did more cheering as Violet is completely independent and doesn't need a man to swoop in and save her. She makes her own plans and sees them through.
I very much enjoyed this finale to the box-set, and I'm looking forward to reading more of Ridley's work.
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