Forbidden Love, Book 3
Synopsis: A woman in search of a gamble…
Mathematics prodigy, Caroline Jellico, plans to support herself by winning big in the gaming hells of London—while dressed as a boy. She’s tired of waiting for the elusive Roe to notice her. She’ll marry him or no man.
A gambler in need of redemption…
Monroe Grisham, Duke of Chanceworth, needs to marry off his beautiful young ward and ensure she attaches herself to the right man, not an irresponsible cad like him. But all grown up now, Caroline’s presence is an utter distraction. One he can neither act on nor deny.
A game of seduction…
But when Roe and Caroline meet across the gaming table, all bets are off. Seduction is in the cards and the winner will take all…or lose everything.
Review: By reading the synopsis of the novel, I was immediately intrigued by the ideas put forward by the author. We are here with Volume 3 but I confess that I have not had the opportunity to read the other previous novels. This is really not a bother by the way because I did not have any problem in my reading. Do not hesitate to start with this novel if you feel like it.
As I said, I loved the ideas used by the author. Indeed, the heroine Caroline is not a woman like all the others. Oh no, because her greatest passion is the card games but in a time like hers, it’s something very difficult to achieve. The solution is imposed on her: to dress as a boy to play in special houses and win some money. Yes, because our heroine has big plans for her future and is determined to do what she wants. Still, this game will also force her to face the man she has always loved and who refused years ago to marry her when she made her proposal. But this time, Caroline is determined to do her quest at all costs! But in addition to this, our two characters are going to have to team up to investigate a character who seems to steal money destined to poor orphans.
I loved to follow this story and it was interesting to see the men/women roles exchanged a little bit here. Indeed, this time, Roe is the one who is reluctant to engage in a story, for fear of hurting the person he is taking care of. Yet this resistance is really hard for him. It is quite frustrating to see that he also likes her. But the person I enjoyed the most is probably Caroline. This young woman is amazing! She doesn’t let go of things, and even hurt, she remains determined in her choices, her goals and tries to do everything to achieve them. She does not care what society thinks of her, and only Roe accounts for her. She also knows from the beginning what to expect. Her rebellious spirit, full of freedom and desire to progress affects us and I took a great pleasure to follow her and to see how she would change with the events.
So yes I had a great time with this novel and I admit that I am very curious to read the previous novels to discover the stories of the other characters.
blodeuedd
When it comes to historicals I do mostly read out of order 😉
Melliane
yes it’s not really problem with this genre.
Tanja
Oh I was just thinking how I haven’t read any historical book in awhile and that I should go with one. I really love the cover here. I hope to give it a try soon. Great review, Melliane 🙂
Melliane
I love one from time to time, they’re so fun!
Jennifer Bielman @ Bad Bird Reads
I girl card shark! I woman after my own heart. lol
Melliane
yeah I loved the idea.
Jenny @ Supernatural Snark
Sometimes it’s really fun to read out of order, but obviously only when a series is set up to feature a different set of characters in each book. I like being able to bounce around to the couples who sound most interesting to me. I definitely love the sound of Roe and Carolina!
Melliane
yes it’s ok usually with romance.
kindlemom1
The dress on the cover is gorgeous!
So glad you didn’t’ have any trouble jumping right into this, I love it when you can do that and not be lost or confused.
Have a lovely weekend!!
Melliane
yes pretty. No it was ok.
Carmel @ Rabid Reads
Ooh, Melliane, you slay me with you mid-series dives. Carolina seems like a phenomenal character, and I’m totally sold on the premise of this book. Happy Friday!
Carmel @ Rabid Reads
Melliane
I know, really bad reader habit.
Tabitha (Not Yet Read)
I love it when I hear you don’t have to read the first one!
Melliane
lol me too
Heidi
The cover immediately caught my eye. I do love a good historical and I think I would like the characters. I would be interested to try this one.
Braine Talk Supe
I would pick this up too, there’s already nervous anticipation as to whether or not she’ll pull it off and what will happen in case she gets caught.
Melliane
yes mainly as it’s something vert scandalous ina different way.
Kim { Book Swoon }
First off, those covers are scrumptious!! I want those dresses, lol. I’m glad you were able to jump into this series no problem. I love the descriptions you wrote about the gender role switching, and I’m sure the gambling halls added a nice background for these two. I’m very tempted on this and ned to hunt book one day as well. Wonderful review, Melliane : )
Have a great weekend : )
Melliane
it’s what intrigued me the most because it’s rare in HR. Yes I hope the others are good too. thank you!
Melissa (Books and Things)
I love a book that can be read out of order. 🙂
This one sounds delightful and something I would enjoy. Oh I think I’ll add it to my wishlist!
Carole Rae
That is a lovely cover! I want to steal that dress!!!!!!!!
Adding it to TBR list
Melliane
great dress isn’t it?
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I love the sound of the heroine in this. Card games, dressed as a man..you just know it will get interesting.
Melliane
yes right? I was so curious
anna (herding cats & burning soup)
Yay! I’m so glad you tried it! I’ve really enjoyed this series. It’s been a good while since I’ve read one of hers. I really must do that soon I think 😀
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
Mmm, my interest is immediately piqued whenever I see “forbidden love”. It’s my one guilty pleasure, my favorite trope 🙂 So what is the forbidden love angle in this book, I wonder? That she has to dress as a boy is a clue, I suppose, as well as Roe not wanting things to get too involved with someone he is supposed to protect. It’s very intriguing.
Melliane
I think it’s just that for him he takes care of her since her brother is dead and nothing should happen I think.
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
This sounds really good, Melliane. I love HR stories, and here, the heroine sounds like on I’d enjoy reading about.
Great review!
Have a wonderful weekend and happy reading 🙂
Melliane
yeah me too! thanks!
Silvia
I do feel like it! Thanks for reviewing this, I’m a sucker for historical romances, so I may very well add this to my TBR list!