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carlacbarroso's review
4.0
It's true that all women have a guilty pleasure, for me is this kind of novels. They may not be the 8th wonder of the world, they may not require you to use your brain nor do they feed your intellect, but if there's one great thing about them is that they make me forget my problems and give me a happy ending. Yes, I am easily pleased. :P
This is the first book I read by Laura Lee Gurhke and it came to me, once again, through Slayra. I asked her to borrow some romance novels she particularly enjoyed and this was one she highly recommended. It also inaugurates the Guilty Series which so far has 4 books, but it is not necessary to read them all since the only point of contact is the characters. For example, this book focuses on the relationship between Daphne and Anthony, but we also get to know (though very lightly) Dylan, a composer who is Anthony's friend, and Viola, Anthony's sister, who take the lead in the second and third books, respectively.
But getting back to the book in question... Daphne, a very intelligent antiquarian who sees herself orphan and without contacts in England (having spent her entire life in the Middle East), begins working for Anthony, Duke of Tremore, who is conducting archaeological excavations at his property. Daphne quickly falls for the boss, knowing that she's not corresponded, but she never thought herself to be so insignificant in his eyes. After hearing, by accident, a conversation between the Duke and his sister, Daphne decides to accept the proposal Viola made before, to be introduced to the London social circle, and radically change herself. Anthony, confronted with Daphne's sudden change and desiring her to stay to work on the unearthed artefacts, tries everything to keep her next to him. The rest of the story is easy to guess...
As Slayra says, this is like brain candy, but it's good! I loved the information concerning the excavation, but more than that I truly enjoyed the witty dialogue and the relationship building between the characters, even if the end is predictable. It's easy to see ourselves as the protagonist (archaeologist, yay!) and there's the alpha male, with muscles and such, but still sensitive and willing to do the right thing according to the standards of the time. The last third of the book seemed a little boring, but still it corresponded to my expectations and I recommend it for when you feel a bit blue or for a sunny day on the beach. :)
This is the first book I read by Laura Lee Gurhke and it came to me, once again, through Slayra. I asked her to borrow some romance novels she particularly enjoyed and this was one she highly recommended. It also inaugurates the Guilty Series which so far has 4 books, but it is not necessary to read them all since the only point of contact is the characters. For example, this book focuses on the relationship between Daphne and Anthony, but we also get to know (though very lightly) Dylan, a composer who is Anthony's friend, and Viola, Anthony's sister, who take the lead in the second and third books, respectively.
But getting back to the book in question... Daphne, a very intelligent antiquarian who sees herself orphan and without contacts in England (having spent her entire life in the Middle East), begins working for Anthony, Duke of Tremore, who is conducting archaeological excavations at his property. Daphne quickly falls for the boss, knowing that she's not corresponded, but she never thought herself to be so insignificant in his eyes. After hearing, by accident, a conversation between the Duke and his sister, Daphne decides to accept the proposal Viola made before, to be introduced to the London social circle, and radically change herself. Anthony, confronted with Daphne's sudden change and desiring her to stay to work on the unearthed artefacts, tries everything to keep her next to him. The rest of the story is easy to guess...
As Slayra says, this is like brain candy, but it's good! I loved the information concerning the excavation, but more than that I truly enjoyed the witty dialogue and the relationship building between the characters, even if the end is predictable. It's easy to see ourselves as the protagonist (archaeologist, yay!) and there's the alpha male, with muscles and such, but still sensitive and willing to do the right thing according to the standards of the time. The last third of the book seemed a little boring, but still it corresponded to my expectations and I recommend it for when you feel a bit blue or for a sunny day on the beach. :)
razzoot's review
3.0
3.5/5
Pretty cute book. I worried it was gonna be her completely changing her appearance for him in a “She’s All That” sorta way but nah, the only thing she did to her appearance was not wearing her hair in a severe bun as much. It was her standing up for herself and telling him to go to hell that attracted him. Like every time she insulted him he was like, “pls stop I will fall in love with you if you continue to put me in my place.” The ending felt a little rushed though. I didn’t want multiple chapters but maybe a few more pages would’ve felt like a more natural ending for me. Or better yet just cut out some of the material and replace it with other shit we care about.
I’d also like to add that I really didn’t get the title cause she only spied on him excavating shirtless once, unless the guilty pleasure was that his kink was being told he was an idiot then I guess it makes sense. Or something else that would spoil it but I’m sure y’all can imagine what it is, haha.
Pretty cute book. I worried it was gonna be her completely changing her appearance for him in a “She’s All That” sorta way but nah, the only thing she did to her appearance was not wearing her hair in a severe bun as much. It was her standing up for herself and telling him to go to hell that attracted him. Like every time she insulted him he was like, “pls stop I will fall in love with you if you continue to put me in my place.” The ending felt a little rushed though. I didn’t want multiple chapters but maybe a few more pages would’ve felt like a more natural ending for me. Or better yet just cut out some of the material and replace it with other shit we care about.
I’d also like to add that I really didn’t get the title cause she only spied on him excavating shirtless once, unless the guilty pleasure was that his kink was being told he was an idiot then I guess it makes sense. Or something else that would spoil it but I’m sure y’all can imagine what it is, haha.
tangerine1895's review against another edition
4.0
Primer libro de esta autora que leí y realmente no pude soltarlo. Me encanto la protagonista, con personalidad y carácter. Excelente!
meatloafqueen's review
4.0
The good old “he doesn’t notice how hot she is until she takes off her glasses” trope
I love an unrequited love story where the heroine turns cold and the hero belatedly realizes she’s a total babe. Anthony says some really hurtful things about Daphne and it completely kills her attraction to him. Now instead of being tongue tied around him she tells him off and he is.. intrigued.
The romance was a nice slow burn with a sexy scene in the rain and lots of face/neck stroking and ear whispering. The tension builds to a sexy climax, which Anthony almost ruins with his stubborn and unfeeling sense of “duty and honor”.
Daphne needs Anthony to prove that he loves her because she will not marry for anything less. He does so in his domineering way, but he was also incredibly romantic.
One thing I would have liked to read was Daphne spending more time in London. I love to see a controlling duke lose his head with jealousy and the pretty dresses and fancy balls make me go all *squee*.
I really enjoyed the story and I have to read Viola’s story because I just know it will be angsty and wonderful
I love an unrequited love story where the heroine turns cold and the hero belatedly realizes she’s a total babe. Anthony says some really hurtful things about Daphne and it completely kills her attraction to him. Now instead of being tongue tied around him she tells him off and he is.. intrigued.
The romance was a nice slow burn with a sexy scene in the rain and lots of face/neck stroking and ear whispering. The tension builds to a sexy climax, which Anthony almost ruins with his stubborn and unfeeling sense of “duty and honor”.
Daphne needs Anthony to prove that he loves her because she will not marry for anything less. He does so in his domineering way, but he was also incredibly romantic.
One thing I would have liked to read was Daphne spending more time in London. I love to see a controlling duke lose his head with jealousy and the pretty dresses and fancy balls make me go all *squee*.
I really enjoyed the story and I have to read Viola’s story because I just know it will be angsty and wonderful
winterreader40's review
3.0
3.5 stars
Daphne has been working for Anthony for the last 5 months restoring his relics for his museum he is going to open and has been in "love" with him the whole time, until one night when she over hears him talking to his sister about how plain, unnoticeable and machine like she is, rather effectively breaking her heart and curing her of her infatuation.
Anthony never noticed anything about the woman restoring his relics until the day she quits and basically rips him a new one. He eventually convinces her to stay a few more months to help with the museum pieces and the time they spend together brings them as close to friendship as either has ever really experienced before and then things get steamy.
While I find the plot lines decent I don't think I really vibe with this author, going to try one more book before I decide though.
Daphne has been working for Anthony for the last 5 months restoring his relics for his museum he is going to open and has been in "love" with him the whole time, until one night when she over hears him talking to his sister about how plain, unnoticeable and machine like she is, rather effectively breaking her heart and curing her of her infatuation.
Anthony never noticed anything about the woman restoring his relics until the day she quits and basically rips him a new one. He eventually convinces her to stay a few more months to help with the museum pieces and the time they spend together brings them as close to friendship as either has ever really experienced before and then things get steamy.
While I find the plot lines decent I don't think I really vibe with this author, going to try one more book before I decide though.
ajsgbf's review
5.0
Laura Lee did a great job in writing this novel! Historical romances haven't been able to hold my attention for the past few years but this book reeled me right back in.
bettybumpkins's review
4.0
I loved the opening premise of this book (her guilty pleasure is watching him work shirtless).