The Naked Duke + The Naked Marquis by Sally MacKenzie

Naked Nobility, Book 1

Synopsis: The Surprise Of Her Life

Sophisticated. Scandalous. In fact, Miss Sarah Hamilton, a proper Philadelphian, finds London society altogether shocking. How can it be that she has awakened from her innocent slumber to find herself in bed next to a handsome–and exceedingly naked–man? The laughing onlookers standing in the doorway are no help whatsoever and surely this amorous lunatic cannot be a duke, as he claims. She is compromised–though she most certainly will not marry him!

The Sweetest Moment Of His

James, the Duke of Alford, is enchanted by his unexpected bedmate–and not at all afraid of her pink-cheeked fury. True, the circumstances and place of their meeting are most unusual, but the spirited American who’s pummeling him with a pillow is an incomparable beauty. If Sarah will only listen to his perfectly reasonable explanation, James is sure that he can capture her heart. . .forever.

Review: I have read many books by Sally Mackenzie, the last of this series and those released in her second series and I loved them all. So when the French publisher has been released a new version of the series combining the first and second book (well it’s the third in English, I know I don’t understand the logic either), I thought it was an opportunity to put myself in the series from the beginning.

The start of the story made me immediately think of Surprising Lord Jack, as I admit it happens in the same way. A girl in a bed, a man who sleeps next to her and in the morning, he decided that the best thing to do is to marry her when of course the woman doesn’t want to. But the comparison stops there. In fact, Sarah has just returned from America to find her uncle, but she did not expect to discover that he is dead, leaving behind a single son. And it is therefore simply impossible for her to live with him. Then comes into play James, the man with whom she has been compromised and who is determined to marry her at any cost. And while living under the same roof with two chaperones and James, Sarah goes to see her determination falter behind the advances of a man who dreams only of her. I must say that everyone is determined to see her end with this duke. But his debauched reputation is far from reassuring the young lady who has reservations.

I loved this novel, the story between these two characters is really cute. Well it is true that some points are a little hard to believe compared to others but I took a great pleasure to follow this couple. Their romance is not easy, and many obstacles will be on their way, including a cousin of James. It is true that I did not expect to have such a villain in the story, but Sally was very successful in writing a man of the worst kind. And I was really curious to see what was going to happen. I must say that each novel is light and very easy to read, which allows us to read each story with great rapidity.

I really think Sally MacKenzie has a lot of talent in historical romance and I’ll read now the rest of the series. It’s a nice mix of humor, romance and plots. I really recommend starting her books, especially as there is no problem with starting with any of them.

4

Naked Nobility, Book 3

Synopsis: The Man Is Practical
As marriage proposals go, Charles Draysmith’s suit is as romantic as the moors in December. Emma Peterson might be only a vicar’s daughter, and he the new Marquis of Knightsdale, and perhaps he would rather marry her than endure the marriage mart. But when he suggests how much he’ll enjoy securing an heir, well, a lady can only endure so much.

But The Lady Is Passionate
There’s something about a woman throwing pottery at a man that piques his interest. Perhaps his proposal lacks grace, Charles thinks. But it does seem a perfect solution. He acquires a wife; his young charges have the mother they so desperately need, and Emma gains security and position. You see? Simple. Practical. Sensib- oh no, not the ceramic dog…
He will have to confess the truth to calm her down. And the truth is, he’s madly in love…

Review: And here it is the third volume of the adventures in the Naked Nobility series. I still love to this kind of historical romances but I realized that my preference is for the Duchess of Love series as I also very appreciate it.

We rediscover here Charles, the character we met in the first volume. His brother just died in an accident and even if he did not want a title, he is now a Marquis. And of course, he must now find a wife. Something that does not please him at all. But when he returns to his new home and discovers that his childhood sweetheart deals with two daughters of his brother, he thinks it would be perfect to marry her and asks her right away. Emma is in love with Charles since she is 6 years old, and she is also still single after 26 years, which is often an advanced age in this period. Saying that she is shocked when the Marquis offers to marry her after 5 minutes would be an understatement. And although Emma loves him, she refuses to marry without love, even if it means becoming the mother of two young girls she loved deeply. But she is determined, and despite her desire and his incessant demands, our heroine stands firm to not succumb, or just a little.

The history between the two characters is pretty cute and the fact that Charles did not understand what Emma really wants is quite frustrating. But everyone will help them realize this fact, whether the two girls, the Charles aunt: Lady Beatrice or all the Charles friends we met in the first volume. Moreover, we have the chance to see Sarah who is now pregnant with James. I should also add that I loved the children: Isabelle and Claire, as well as Lady Beatrice, they have a lot of ideas of all kinds. Beatrice has a refreshing frankness and does not hesitate to say what she has in mind even if it is often quite indecent. And I really loved that about her! Of course, that’s not all and a mysterious person appears in the story and we wonder throughout the book what he seeks. But we will not know until the end of volume.

A new beautiful novel I enjoyed discovering.

4

mellianefini

Interview ~ Sally MacKenzie (+traduction) ~ Concours-Giveaway

We’re happy today to have on the blog Sally MacKenzie, the author of the Naked Nobility series and the Duchess of Love series. The seven books of the Naked Nobility are already available and the second book of the Duchess of Love series : Surprising Lord Jack is released on March 5th. You can read our review here. Thanks to Sally for this amazing interview.

Nous sommes heureuses d’accueillir aujourd’hui Sally MacKenzie l’auteure de la série Noblesse Oblige et Duchess of Love deux séries publiées par Milady en Français. Les 7 tomes de Noblesse Oblige sont disponibles dans le commerce et le premier tome de Duchess of Love : Lord Ned à tout prix sort le 19 Avril 2013. Le deuxième tome Lord Jack a Tout Prix sortira en Juin 2013. Merci à Sally pour cette jolie interview.


————–


Hello! Thank you so much for coming on our blog today ! Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
Hello–or should I say bonjour? I’m afraid that and “merci,” “non,” and “oui” are about the extent of my schoolgirl French. I was born in our capital, Washington, D.C., and have lived almost all my life in its suburbs. Very boring! I was in France once–in Paris and Chartres–the summer I graduated from high school which was, er, a few years ago. I have a husband, four sons, and two daughters-in-law.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
When I was in fifth grade–so maybe 10 or 11 years old–we had to write a story for class. I’d never before taken such an interest in a school assignment! And when I read the story to the class, everyone laughed in the right places. I was hooked.
How many books do you intend to write for the Duchess of Love series?
I planned the Duchess of Love series to be a trilogy–three books–plus a prequel novella. I’m finishing up the third book now, and then I have to come up with an idea for a new series. I don’t think it will involve the Duchess of Love, but we’ll see where the muse takes me. 
Was it difficult to write the first book? How long did it take? 
If you mean Bedding Lord Ned, the first Duchess of Love book, it was harder than I expected. I think each book get harder to write, because I want to try to make each book better. I don’t remember exactly how long it took to write, but I’ve decided that I’m happiest if I have a year to write a book. It’s not just the writing that takes time, it’s the promotion and production. And I need time to recover and let the creative well refill.
If you mean the very first book I ever wrote–well, I wrote my first manuscript many, many years ago–on a typewriter! I’m not sure I’d be published today if the personal computer hadn’t been invented, since I’m a terrible typist and very big on revising.
When our oldest son was getting ready to go off to college, I decided I should try again to write for publication. I’m not sure how long it took me to write The Naked Duke. Probably several years. I was still very busy with our four boys, so I’d write in spurts. In some ways, it was easier to write the Duke than my other books. Yes, I didn’t know if it would ever be published, but then again, I didn’t have a deadline or any expectations. I could write what I wanted when I wanted, and I wasn’t at all concerned about what people would think. Now, as I say, I want to make each book better. I know my readers are looking forward to a good story, and I don’t want to disappoint them.
Is the Naked Nobility series totally finished or do you think you’ll come back to it one day?
I’m not sure. There are still a few characters whose stories I’d like to write, but I think I should pursue other projects for now. But maybe someday… One never knows.
How did you end up writing romance books? Is there any other genre that appeal to you?
Well, I’m a hugefan of happy endings.
When my sons were young, I tried writing picture book texts–I read a lot of picture books with four little boys! I sent manuscripts out to publishers, and I got a number of “good” rejections–no’s, but with invitations to send something else. I even had a few close calls where I had direct contact with an editor. But nothing ever sold. And then I got busy with carpooling and organizing scouts and sports and other activities for my kids.
Growing up, I read a lot of Georgette Heyer, who many consider the “mother” of Regency-set romances. I loved her books: they were so witty and smart. Some of her vocabulary even crept into mine; when I was dating my husband many years ago, I’d sometime throw him with a Regency-ism. And when I was raising our sons, I read other Regency-set stories. So when I was getting back to writing, writing a Regency-set book seemed like a good idea.
Is there a character more difficult than the others to write?
No, I don’t think so. All my characters give me fits!
Who is your favorite character in the series?
That’s like asking who is my favorite son! I love them all, with all their charm and all their warts. I will admit, though, that I’ve had some fun with the Duchess of Love.
Did you need to do a lot of researches for your books?
Yes and no. I think I have a pretty good feel for the Regency–or at least how it’s portrayed in romances–and I don’t build my stories around historical events or figures. But I do a lot of research as I write, looking for those perfect details. I use the Oxford English Dictionary constantly to see if a word I want to use is appropriate for the period. I have research books on Regency London, country houses, fashions, ornamental objects, botany, period slang, even underwear! And of course I use the internet, too.
Why did you choose this period for your novels?
The Regency–technically from 1811 to 1820–is a period of great change. I set my books in the latter part of this time, after the Napoleonic Wars (Is that what you call them in France?) from 1816 to 1820 or 1821. I can come up with a bunch of sensible reasons for writing in this period, but the truth is I chose it because I loved Geogette Heyer’s books. I write mostly about the “happy” side of the Regency–the balls, the house parties, the nobility. It’s a fun world to escape to, if you don’t think about the rudimentary plumbing and questionable sanitation and lack of good medical care.
How do you find your titles? Did you imagine them all when you started the series or do you brainstorm each time?
I have to say I lucked into my Naked titles. The first book in the series, The Naked Duke, was the book I wrote when getting back to writing after raising my sons. A friend told me my working title for the book wasn’t very exciting, so I gave the problem some thought. They say sex and power sells. So, the hero was a duke–there’s power–and he happened to be naked when he met the heroine. Voila! The Naked Duke.
When I sold the manuscript, the editor liked the title, so we kept it. But my contract was for two books, which meant I had to come up with a new idea and a new title. I sent my editor a few suggestions, but nothing appealed to her. And then I thought…well, the books are connected, why not keep the pattern: The Naked… ? There was only one problem. I’d decided to write about the duke’s two friends, both of which were earls. So I had to give one a “promotion” and The Naked Marquis was born!
The Naked series wasn’t planned in advance, but grew book by book. By the time I ran out of noble titles, it was time to move on to a new series.
I came up with the titles for the Duchess of Love series when I proposed the concept to my editor. Initially they were Bedding Lord Ned, Surprising Lord Jack, and Loving the Duke. I had planned to have the duchess be a widow, but when I let her husband live–such power we authors have!–I had to change the last book’s title, because the oldest son hadn’t yet inherited. So that book became Loving Lord Ash–at least for now. The cover’s not done, so it could change.
Do you write full time? If no, do you hope to eventually do so?
I do write full time, but that’s not because I quit my job. My job quit me. My husband has always worked crazy hours, so we decided it made sense for me to stay home with the babies. I also wrote while the boys napped, but when I entered the carpool years and took over running many of their sport and school activities, writing got put on the backburner. Now that they are all independent and out of the house, I can make writing my priority.
Do you have a favorite author? Or a favorite book?
No, I don’t really think I do have a favorite book or author. I know too many authors now as friends, and, sadly, I don’t have much time to read for pleasure. Plus writing has made me read books differently. I still enjoy Georgette Heyer’s books when I have the chance to reread them.
Have you already other plans for future series? Or is it top secret?
Not yet! Once I finish revising Loving Lord Ash I’ll put on my thinking cap and come up with something. I can only hold one thing in my head at a time. Maybe I used up all my juggling skills keeping those four boys and their activities straight.
Your books are released in France, do you see yourself meeting your French fans one day?
I would love to come to France someday. I’ve even given it a little bit of thought after I met someone from my French publisher. I’m not sure when it will happen, though.

—————–

Bonjour! Merci beaucoup de faire parti de notre blog aujourd’hui ! Pouvez-vous vous présenter en quelques mots? 
Hello – ou dois-je dire Bonjour? J’ai bien peur que “merci,” “non,” et “oui” soient les seuls mots qui restent de mes cours de Français. Je suis née dans notre capitale, Washington, D.C., et j’ai vécu presque toute ma vie dans sa banlieue. Très ennuyant ! Je suis venue en France il y a longtemps – à Paris et Chartres – l’été où j’ai eu mon diplôme, il  y a quelques années. J’ai un mari et quatre fils et deux belles filles.
Quand avez-vous réalisé que vous vouliez devenir un auteur ?
Quand j’étais en 5ème année – alors peut-être vers 10 ou 11 ans – nous devions écrire une histoire pour la classe. Je n’avais jamais eu auparavant d’intérêt pour le travail scolaire ! Et quand j’ai lu l’histoire devant la classe, tout le monde a ri aux bons endroits. J’ai été stupéfaite.
Combien de livres pensez-vous écrire pour la série Duchess of Love ?
J’ai prévu de faire de la série Duchess of Love une trilogie – trois livres – plus un préquel sous forme de nouvelle. Je suis en train de finir le troisième tome en ce moment, et ensuite il faudra que je trouve d’autres idées pour une nouvelle série. Je ne pense pas que cela comprendra Duchess of Love, mais nous verrons où ma muse me mène.
A-t-il été difficile d’écrire le premier tome? Combien de temps cela a-t-il pris ?
Si vous voulez dire Lord Ned à tout prix, le premier tome de la série Duchess of Love, c’était plus difficile que prévu. Je pense que chaque livre est plus difficile à écrire, comme je veux qu’ils soient meilleurs. Je ne me rappelle pas exactement combien de temps ça m’a pris, mais j’ai décidé que je suis contente quand j’ai un an pour écrire un livre. Ce n’est pas seulement le temps que l’écriture prend, c’est aussi la promotion et la production. Et j’ai besoin de temps pour récupérer et laisser la créativité revenir.
Si vous voulez dire le tout premier livre que j’ai écrit – hé bien, j’ai écrit mon premier manuscrit, il y a de nombreuses, nombreuses années – sur une machine à écrire ! Je ne suis pas sûre que j’aurais été publiée de nos jours si l’ordinateur n’avait pas été inventé, comme je suis une mauvaise typographe et que je passe beaucoup de temps pour les révisions.

Au moment où notre fils aîné s’apprêtait à partir au collège, j’ai décidé qu’il était temps d’essayer d’écrire pour être publiée. Je ne sais plus combien de temps j’ai mis à écrire Le Duc mis à Nu. Sûrement quelques années. J’étais toujours très occupée par nos quatre garçons, alors j’écrivais pendant des pauses. Dans un sens, il a été plus facile d’écrire les Duc que mes autres livres. Oui, je ne savais pas si ça serait jamais publié, mais encore, je n’avais aucune deadlines ou d’attentes. Je pouvais écrire ce que je voulais quand je le voulais et je n’étais pas concernée par ce que les gens pouvaient penser. Maintenant, comme je le disais, je veux faire de chaque livre le meilleur. Je sais que mes lecteurs attendent une bonne histoire et je ne veux pas les décevoir.

La série Noblesse Oblige est-elle totalement finie ou pensez vous y revenir un jour?
Je ne suis pas sûre. Il y a toujours quelques personnages pour qui j’aimerais écrire une histoire, mais je pense que je devrais poursuivre d’autres projets maintenant. Mais peut-être un jour… qui sait ?
Comment en êtes-vous venue à écrire de la romance ? Y-a-t-il un autre genre qui vous plaise ?
Hé bien, je suis une grande fan des fins heureuses.

Quand mes enfants étaient plus jeunes, j’ai essayé de faire des livres d’images – j’ai lu beaucoup de livres comme ça avec quatre petits garçons ! J’ai envoyé des manuscrits aux éditeurs, et j’ai eu un grand nombre de rejets « positifs »  – avec la proposition d’envoyer quelque chose d’autre. J’ai même eu quelques appels avec un éditeur. Mais rien n’a jamais marché. Puis j’ai été occupée avec le covoiturage, les scouts et sports et autres activités pour mes enfants.

En grandissant, j’ai lu beaucoup de romans de Georgette Heyer, que beaucoup considèrent comme la « mère » des romances historiques. J’adore ses livres : ils sont intelligents et pleins d’esprit. Un peu de son vocabulaire a influencé le mien ; quand je sortais avec mon mari il y a plusieurs années, je parlais parfois à sa manière. Et quand j’ai élevé nos enfants, j’ai lu d’autres histoires historiques. Alors quand je suis revenue à l’écriture, écrire de l’historique semblait être une bonne idée.
Y-a-t-il un personnage plus difficile à écrire que les autres ?
Non, je ne pense pas. Tous mes personnages me posent des soucis.

Qui est votre personnage préféré dans la série ?
C’est comme me demander qui est mon fils préféré ! Je les aime tous, avec leur charme et tous leurs défauts. Je dois avouer que j’ai eu beaucoup de plaisir avec ceux de Duchess of Love.

Avez-vous besoin de faire beaucoup de recherches pour vos livres ?
Oui et non. Je pense que j’ai un bon feeling avec l’historique – où en tout cas comment c’est mis en scène en romance – et je ne construis pas mes histoires autour d’événements historiques ou figures. Mais je fais beaucoup de recherches pendant que j’écris, cherchant le détail parfait. J’utilise constamment le Oxford English Dictionary pour voir si un mot que je veux utiliser est approprié à la période. J’ai recherché des livres sur le Londres historique, les maisons, la mode, les objets d’ornement, la botanique, et même les sous vêtements ! Et bien sûr, j’utilise aussi internet.

Pourquoi avoir choisi cette période pour vos livres ?
La Régence – techniquement allant de 1811 à 1820 – est une période de grand changement. J’ai choisi de placer mes livres un peu plus tard, après les guerres de Napoléon (si c’est le terme qu’on utilise en France) de 1816 à 1820 ou 1821. Je peux donner plusieurs raisons pour avoir choisi cette période, mais la vérité c’est que je l’ai choisie parce que j’adore les livres de Georgette Heyer. J’écris surtout le côté « heureux » de la Régence – les bals, les fêtes, la noblesse. C’est un monde très intéressant pour s’échapper, si vous ne pensez pas à la plomberie rudimentaire, l’assainissement douteux et le manque de soins médicaux de qualité.

Comment trouvez-vous vos titres ? Les connaissiez-vous avant d’avoir commencé la série ou vous-prenez vous la tête à chaque fois ?
Je dois dire que j’ai eu de la chance avec mes titres de Nu. Le premier livre de la série Le duc mis à nu, a été le livre que j’ai écrit en revenant à l’écriture après avoir élevé mes enfants. Un ami m’a dit que mes titres n’étaient pas excitants, alors j’y ai réfléchi. Ils disent que le sexe et le pouvoir font vendre. Alors, le héros est un duc – il y a du pouvoir – et il se trouve qu’il est nu quand il rencontre l’héroïne. Voilà ! Le dus mis à nu.
Quand j’ai vendu le manuscrit, l’éditeur a aimé le titre, alors nous l’avons gardé. Mais mon contrat était pour  deux livres, ce qui voulait dire avoir une nouvelle idée et un nouveau titre. J’ai envoyé quelques suggestions à mon éditeur, mais rien ne lui plaisait. Ensuite j’ai pensé… bien, les livres sont connectés, alors pourquoi ne pas garder la même accroche : The nu… ? Il y avait un seul problème. J’avais décidé d’écrire au sujet de deux amis du duc qui étaient comtes. Alors j’ai dû lui donner une « promotion » et Le marquis mis à nu est né.

La série Nu, n’était pas prévue par avance, mais a grandi de livre en livre. Avec le temps je n’avais plus de titres, il était donc temps de changer de série.
J’ai trouvé les titres de la série Duchess of Love quand j’ai proposé le concept à mon éditeur. Initialement, il y avait Lord Ned à tout prix, Lord Jack a Tout Prix, et Loving the Duke. J’avais prévu d’avoir une duchesse qui soit veuve, mais ensuite j’ai laissé son mari vivre – nous auteurs avons un tel pouvoir ! J’ai donc dû changer le titre du dernier livre, comme le fils le plus âgé n’avait pas encore hérité. C’est alors devenu Loving Lord Ash—ou en tout cas pour le moment. La couverture n’est pas finie alors ça peut encore changer.

Écrivez-vous à temps complet ? Si ce n’est pas le cas, aimeriez-vous ?
J’écris à temps complet, mais ce n’est pas parce que j’ai quitté mon travail. Le travail m’a quitté. Mon mari a toujours travaillé de nombreuses heures, alors nous avons décidé qu’il était logique que je reste à la maison avec les bébés. J’ai aussi écrit pendant la sieste des garçons, mais quand je suis entrée dans la période de covoiturage et que j’ai passé du temps à les amener au sport ou autres activités, l’écriture a été mise en arrière plan. Maintenant ils sont tous indépendants et loin de la maison, alors je peux faire de l’écriture ma priorité.

Avez-vous un auteur préféré ? Ou un livre ?
Non, je ne crois pas avoir un livre ou un auteur préféré. Je connais trop d’auteurs maintenant qui sont des amis, et malheureusement, je n’ai plus vraiment le temps de lire pour le plaisir. De plus l’écriture m’a fait lire de manière différente. J’aime toujours les livres de Georgette Heyer quand j’ai l’occasion de les relire.

Avez-vous d’autres plans pour de futures séries ? Ou est-ce top secret ?
Pas encore ! Une fois que j’aurais fini de m’occuper de Loving Lord Ash, j’y réfléchirai et je trouverai quelque chose. Je ne peux penser qu’à une seule chose à la fois. Peut-être que j’ai utilisé toutes mes ressources avec ces quatre garçons et leurs activités.

Vos livres sont sortis en France, vous voyez-vous rencontrer vos fans Français un jour ?
J’aimerais beaucoup venir en France un jour. J’y ai même pensé un peu plus après avoir rencontré quelqu’un de mon édition française. Je ne suis pas sûre que ça arrivera cependant.
—————

Merci à Sally, vous avez la chance de gagner un tome du Roi mis à nu dédicacé en Anglais ou en Français. Le concours est international! Vous pouvez trouver l’explication pour l’utilisation de rafflecopter ici. Pour ceux qui n’ont pas twitter vous pouvez aussi partager sur facebook à la place en mettant le lien.

Thanks to Sally, you can win a signed copy of the Naked King in English or French. The giveaway is international! 

Yours Until Dawn by Teresa Medeiros


Synopsis : Gabriel Fairchild’s valor during battle earns him the reputation of hero, but costs him both his sight and his hope for the future. Abandoned by the fiancée he adored, the man who once walked like a prince among London’s elite secludes himself in his family’s mansion, cursing his way through dark days and darker nights.

Prim nurse Samantha Wickersham arrives at Fairchild Park to find her new charge behaving more like a beast than a man. Determined to do her duty, she engages the arrogant earl in a battle of both wit and wills. Although he claims she doesn’t possess an ounce of womanly softness, she can feel his heart racing at her slightest touch. As Samantha begins to let the light back into Gabriel’s life and his heart, they both discover that some secrets — and some pleasures — are best explored in the dark …


Review : First of all, I would like to thank my friend Luna05 for having recommended this book to me because I knew absolutely nothing about historical romance and for my first read I wanted a sort of must have, something that I would appreciate for sure. And I must say that Teresa Medeiros novel has definitely lived up to and exceeded my expectations. Indeed, I had a crush for this book!

To impress Cecily March, the girl whom he is deeply in love, Gabriel Fairchild, Earl of Sheffield enroled himself in the Royal Navy. But his courage and heroism when facing Napoleon’s fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar, cost him a lot: he returned to England badly wounded and blind. Rejected by his family and Cecily – who run away from the hospital after seeing him disfigured – Gabriel plunges into a deep depression. He lives cloistered in his domain at Fairchild Park, out of sight, where no light filter. His life is darkness, pain and loneliness until the day the mysterious Samantha Wickersham arrives at Fairchild Park to ask for a nurse job. Her arrival will change the habits of the house.

Aaah what can I say?! I’m still not used to the heroes and heroines of historical romances, but I must say that I loved Samantha! She is a young woman who has a lot of personality and quick comeback. She takes her job as a nurse to heart and as Gabriel’s nurse, she is determined to take care of him as best as she can, whether he likes it or not, and the least we can say is that he is not an easy patient! In fact, with him she will have a hard time.

Gabriel touched me a lot too. He does not accept his new condition of “invalid” and he neglects himself completely. It was terrible to see him suffer like that. He is a man deeply hurt and I was really sorry for him. His gruff look, his aggressive behavior and his unrefined manners turned him into a beast. How to help a man who is only a shadow of himself and has lost all taste for life at the same time he has lost his sight? So the task seems to be very difficult for Samantha. However, she did not waver, even when he is particularly rude and obnoxious with her. On the contrary, she is determined to ensure that he becomes again the gentleman he was before and helps him to accept his handicap. I liked her determination.

So you’ll understand, I loved Samantha and Gabriel. Their verbal sparring is a pure delight. Thanks to them, I felt all kinds of emotions. Some scenes made me smile, others have moved me to tears. And the ending… I did not expect at all!!!

To conclude, this book was a great finding. I loved it from beginning to end and I’ll certainly read other books of this author.