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ionamcewan's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
A fun romp that’s heavily erotic- I don’t think I’ll reread but had a fun time
abakerandherbooks's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
kellyyoungbl's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars
Not as good as her other books, but I was still entertained. I'm not sure how I feel about any of the other characters yet, but I will continue reading.
Not as good as her other books, but I was still entertained. I'm not sure how I feel about any of the other characters yet, but I will continue reading.
laurelinpaige's review against another edition
5.0
While I don't normally read historical, The Awakening of Ivy Leavold has been one of the best alpha billionaire books I've come across to date. With fluid language and gorgeous imagery, the story is fraught with tension, and the level of sensuality that Simone brings to this time period takes a very talented writer. While the characters and mood are reminiscent of Jane Eyre, the sexual situations bring to mind Anne Rice's Claiming of Sleeping Beauty. I'm anxiously waiting to see what's next from this debut author.
mawmom's review against another edition
5.0
This is a great mix of hot and steamy meets Victorian England. If you like your historicals with down right dirty sex you will love this book.
danireadsbooks1's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars: It's a smutty Jane Eyre retelling - I enjoyed it. Heavy on the smut.
nicnicthelibrarycat's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
hana_na's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.0
megreads99's review against another edition
4.0
The Awakening of Ivy Leavold: ★ ★ ★ ★
Sierra Simone (Markham Hall, #1)
“My soul was yours to take from the moment I met you, Julian.”
When Ivy Leavold is sent to a sprawling mansion to live with her dead cousin's husband since she has no other relations, she can't help but be drawn to the darkness that haunts the house, and its master.
Why in God's name it took so long for me to read a historical romance by Sierra Simone truly eludes me. I love historical romances & I love Sierra Simone so when I remembered I downloaded this copy, I simply had to read it.
This was delicious. Let's be clear from the start, this is definitely an insta-lust relationship & also very toxic, obsessive love.
Mr. Markham is... dark and broody and has secrets (and may also be a murderer?) but he's hot and possessive and and so hot so it's forgivable, right? I must be color blind because all those red flags just look real green to me. Yes, Mr. Markham is hot but there's not a lot of depth to him otherwise. He's definitely harboring secrets of his own & isn't upfront about everything that's gone on in his house, his marriages, or in any part of his life, but I'm sure that will be revealed in the rest of the series.
Ivy was also kind of bland for me. She was headstrong and did whatever she wanted–including the master of the house–but I just didn't find her very relatable. She also would give up literally any semblance of sanity or self respect for an orgasm (I don't entirely blame you, but stand up. Please).
As far as the mystery aspect goes, I really am intrigued to see who did it because the end of the book kind of points all the fingers in one direction, but I'm sure there's more to it than just that. There's no question that the man has something to hide but I think it would just be too simple. Also, if it was him, I want to know the real reasons. His reasons.
The relationship between them–at least in this book & up to this point–is primarily physical, and every single one of the interactions delivered in spice in the classic Sierra Simone way. Especially playing Blind Man's Bluff in the parlor (reading: multiple people) had me sweating. I'm hoping that in the future books they form more of a real relationship that goes beyond the physical (though I certainly won't complain about that) so I can see them grow & bond.
... As husband and wife?
Sierra Simone (Markham Hall, #1)
“My soul was yours to take from the moment I met you, Julian.”
When Ivy Leavold is sent to a sprawling mansion to live with her dead cousin's husband since she has no other relations, she can't help but be drawn to the darkness that haunts the house, and its master.
Why in God's name it took so long for me to read a historical romance by Sierra Simone truly eludes me. I love historical romances & I love Sierra Simone so when I remembered I downloaded this copy, I simply had to read it.
This was delicious. Let's be clear from the start, this is definitely an insta-lust relationship & also very toxic, obsessive love.
Mr. Markham is... dark and broody and has secrets (and may also be a murderer?) but he's hot and possessive and and so hot so it's forgivable, right? I must be color blind because all those red flags just look real green to me. Yes, Mr. Markham is hot but there's not a lot of depth to him otherwise. He's definitely harboring secrets of his own & isn't upfront about everything that's gone on in his house, his marriages, or in any part of his life, but I'm sure that will be revealed in the rest of the series.
Ivy was also kind of bland for me. She was headstrong and did whatever she wanted–including the master of the house–but I just didn't find her very relatable. She also would give up literally any semblance of sanity or self respect for an orgasm (I don't entirely blame you, but stand up. Please).
As far as the mystery aspect goes, I really am intrigued to see who did it because the end of the book kind of points all the fingers in one direction, but I'm sure there's more to it than just that. There's no question that the man has something to hide but I think it would just be too simple. Also, if it was him, I want to know the real reasons. His reasons.
The relationship between them–at least in this book & up to this point–is primarily physical, and every single one of the interactions delivered in spice in the classic Sierra Simone way. Especially playing Blind Man's Bluff in the parlor (reading: multiple people) had me sweating. I'm hoping that in the future books they form more of a real relationship that goes beyond the physical (though I certainly won't complain about that) so I can see them grow & bond.
... As husband and wife?