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christinabooktreasures's review against another edition
3.0
This is a good historical romance book. Historical romance is not something.I read much of but this one did hold my interest. The FMC is lovable and relatable. I would definitely recommend for those that enjoy historical romance.
smartinez9's review against another edition
3.0
2.5
While I appreciated the references to Jane Eyre and the mystery built in, the pacing felt off, less like a cohesive story than random bits strewn together. Ivy started out strong but lost a lot of her defiance and independence after the guests arrive. I understand it‘s meant to end on a cliffhanger, but neither the character development nor the plot felt sufficiently fleshed out. The eerie atmosphere, duplicity, Ivy’s conflicted feelings, and general unease all needed more time to stew in order to really capture the meandering suspense of a gothic novel. It might have been better suited as one longer book rather than short installments. Not sure if I’ll continue.
While I appreciated the references to Jane Eyre and the mystery built in, the pacing felt off, less like a cohesive story than random bits strewn together. Ivy started out strong but lost a lot of her defiance and independence after the guests arrive. I understand it‘s meant to end on a cliffhanger, but neither the character development nor the plot felt sufficiently fleshed out. The eerie atmosphere, duplicity, Ivy’s conflicted feelings, and general unease all needed more time to stew in order to really capture the meandering suspense of a gothic novel. It might have been better suited as one longer book rather than short installments. Not sure if I’ll continue.
beknoel's review against another edition
2.75
I knew this was a gothic-erotic-period drama, but it somehow wasn't what I was expecting. It's missing what makes period dramas so delicious. Banter. Dialogue.
Ivy has no personality and almost no lines. She doesn't have deep thoughts or feelings and she seems to barely exist outside of the sex scenes. She barely reacts to anything that happens to her. There's nothing that feels honest about the sex scenes. There's just a build up lacking there for me.
All that being said, I did still finish the book (which I wouldn't have done if I were truly not enjoying it at all) and I think there's a lot of potential there. The author is talented. I'm not sure I'll finish the 2nd book in the series... the sex scenes aren't really my thing and that's what most of the book is.
Ivy has no personality and almost no lines. She doesn't have deep thoughts or feelings and she seems to barely exist outside of the sex scenes. She barely reacts to anything that happens to her. There's nothing that feels honest about the sex scenes. There's just a build up lacking there for me.
All that being said, I did still finish the book (which I wouldn't have done if I were truly not enjoying it at all) and I think there's a lot of potential there. The author is talented. I'm not sure I'll finish the 2nd book in the series... the sex scenes aren't really my thing and that's what most of the book is.
hsteel's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
zoraidasolo's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
suzysuzy34's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, it's been five years since I've read a historical romance and I absolutely loved it. Mr Markham you can visit me anyday.
This book is very erotic and there is something about a woman in 1879 not really supposed to be sexually aware until she is married, the woman in those days were tight laced and very formal. Ivy wasn't like this, she wanted freedom, she wanted to drink when she wanted to, to explore the country side and most of all she wanted to explore her sexuality.
About the book... When Ivy Leavold is left destitute by her brother's death, she is taken in by her cousins brooding, tortured widower Julian Markham. Handsome and possessive, it's not long before Ivy falls for him. But Mr Markham has some dark secrets, secrets that may put Ivy in danger.
(Once we start, there will be no stopping, I'll have you in every room of this house,on every surface. I'll make you climax as often as it suits me, even if it's several times an hour for an entire night. I'll make you thrash underneath me and beg.... )
This books gets a scorching five stars from me and I can't wait to get stuck into The Education of Ivy Leavold.
This book can be bought as a bundle, all four books 499 pages for £3.29.
This book is very erotic and there is something about a woman in 1879 not really supposed to be sexually aware until she is married, the woman in those days were tight laced and very formal. Ivy wasn't like this, she wanted freedom, she wanted to drink when she wanted to, to explore the country side and most of all she wanted to explore her sexuality.
About the book... When Ivy Leavold is left destitute by her brother's death, she is taken in by her cousins brooding, tortured widower Julian Markham. Handsome and possessive, it's not long before Ivy falls for him. But Mr Markham has some dark secrets, secrets that may put Ivy in danger.
(Once we start, there will be no stopping, I'll have you in every room of this house,on every surface. I'll make you climax as often as it suits me, even if it's several times an hour for an entire night. I'll make you thrash underneath me and beg.... )
This books gets a scorching five stars from me and I can't wait to get stuck into The Education of Ivy Leavold.
This book can be bought as a bundle, all four books 499 pages for £3.29.
madelainejansson's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
minipanda's review
3.5
A quick and very steamy erotica
*Please note that this is part of a series. The novel does end with a cliffhanger, leaving some loose ends for future installments.*
Following the tragic death of her beloved brother, Ivy finds herself in a difficult situation, with no place to call home. Fortunately, her cousin's widower, Julian Markham, has kindly extended an offer to shelter her. However, as Ivy becomes more acquainted with Julian, she can't help but notice his dark and commanding allure, which exudes an air of mystery and intrigue. However, there is the unsettling rumor that Julian may have played a role in her cousin's untimely death. Ivy is now left with a gnawing sense of doubt, struggling to decide whether or not she can trust Julian.
I devoured this in just a couple of hours and couldn't get enough of all the steamy scenes and exciting parlor games. The sprinkle of mystery added an extra layer of excitement. However, I couldn't help but feel that the characters, especially Ivy's, could have been developed further. A hobby or stronger connection with the secondary characters would have added more depth to the story. Despite this, I still found the book to be a very entertaining read and I'm eager to continue with the rest of the series. For anyone who enjoys short and steamy novels, give this series a try!
***Thank you to NetGalley, Sierra Simone, Dreamscape Select, and No Bird Press LLC for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
*Please note that this is part of a series. The novel does end with a cliffhanger, leaving some loose ends for future installments.*
Following the tragic death of her beloved brother, Ivy finds herself in a difficult situation, with no place to call home. Fortunately, her cousin's widower, Julian Markham, has kindly extended an offer to shelter her. However, as Ivy becomes more acquainted with Julian, she can't help but notice his dark and commanding allure, which exudes an air of mystery and intrigue. However, there is the unsettling rumor that Julian may have played a role in her cousin's untimely death. Ivy is now left with a gnawing sense of doubt, struggling to decide whether or not she can trust Julian.
I devoured this in just a couple of hours and couldn't get enough of all the steamy scenes and exciting parlor games. The sprinkle of mystery added an extra layer of excitement. However, I couldn't help but feel that the characters, especially Ivy's, could have been developed further. A hobby or stronger connection with the secondary characters would have added more depth to the story. Despite this, I still found the book to be a very entertaining read and I'm eager to continue with the rest of the series. For anyone who enjoys short and steamy novels, give this series a try!
***Thank you to NetGalley, Sierra Simone, Dreamscape Select, and No Bird Press LLC for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
murrreads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
adrihean's review against another edition
3.0
“The Awakening of Ivy Leavold,” by Sierra Simone
This book was good. It has a Jane Eyre retelling vibe to the story. I didn’t think the sexual tension would be so great as it was, but there was a lot there. The narrator did a good job voicing all of it out in a way that still felt slightly innocent which fit the time period. It’s fast paced and had intrigue throughout the entire book. The things I didn’t like were the characters weren’t very loveable and there wasn’t a lot of character development in the book, it is book one of the Markham Hall series so that might be why. 3 out of 5 stars.
Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.
This book was good. It has a Jane Eyre retelling vibe to the story. I didn’t think the sexual tension would be so great as it was, but there was a lot there. The narrator did a good job voicing all of it out in a way that still felt slightly innocent which fit the time period. It’s fast paced and had intrigue throughout the entire book. The things I didn’t like were the characters weren’t very loveable and there wasn’t a lot of character development in the book, it is book one of the Markham Hall series so that might be why. 3 out of 5 stars.
Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.