The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell Reviews

• Deep Secrets and Heartwarming Passion

  
  By A1EJKQD72ZO2AP on 2007-04-15
  The handsome Simon Blackwell has lived for years with the emotional and physical scars of losing his wife and son in a horrific fire. He broods for years surviving in unhappiness and pain, working to push those close to him away so that he can forget, while at other times overcome with memories and how he was unable to save them. When the beautiful and vivacious Lady Annabel McBride attempts to save the son of her friend Caro from running out in the street and being run over by a horse, she meets the enraged Simon who believes Annabel to be the reckless mother of the young boy. The grateful Caro invites the handsome hero over for dinner and it there that Simon and Annabel meet once again. As the weeks go by they keep meeting at society events and sparks of what is thought to be mutual dislike and mistrust turn into flames of desire. One evening in a moonlit garden they are caught in a passionate embrace. The compromised Annabel soon finds herself walking down the aisle, beginning a marriage with Simon of desire, longing and pain. The last thing Simon wants to do is hurt Annabel, but what can there be but hurt when he announces on their wedding night that he wants a marriage of convenience with no children and will arrange for a divorce within a year? Annabel attempts to resign herself to a marriage of convenience, but it is Simon that finds it most difficult, as his true secret is the intense passion that he has for Annabel. No matter how much he tries to avoid Annabel and his desire, he cannot, and they come together for several nights of intense passion. Will Simon be able to overcome his emotional scars so that he can forget the past and give into his intense desire and love for Annabel? Will Annabel's growing love be strong enough for both of them in order to have a true, lasting marriage? The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell is an intense sexually charged story that delights while pulling at the heartstrings. Samantha James once again has written a well-developed story with characters that struggle with life's disappointments and find true love and happiness.
  
  

• enjoyable Victorian romance

  
  By AFVQZQ8PW0L on 2007-03-30
  By 1848 Simon Blackwell has learned to distrust passion after what happened five years ago. Though declared to have survived his ordeal by his physician, Simon knows otherwise as he hides in the moorlands especially from aristocratic females. Only for his remaining maternal relative Aunt Leticia will he venture to odious London and this is because she begged him to attend her seventieth birthday bash.
  
  In London, Simon meets Annabel McBride and is unable to resist a kiss. She burns from his touch and he feels likewise. Forced to marry he vows for convention and convenience only while she vows for passion and friendship. Simon refuses to open his heart as love hurts while Annabel refuses to accept anything less than his hear as love liberates.
  
  THE SECRET PASSION OF SIMON BLACKWELL is in many ways a typical Victorian romance with a disturbed dark protagonist and a courageous heroine willing to risk her soul to more than just help him as Annabel knows that is not enough. She will do what it takes to earn his eternal love as nothing less is acceptable. Their relationship makes for a fine historical tale as readers will root for Anne to achieve what seems like a bodacious unattainable goal: winning the heart and soul of her beloved.
  
  Harriet Klausner
  
  
  

• In a word . . . INCREDIBLE!

  
  By A3UERXC7CTOU3U on 2007-04-04
  This book is heartwarming and special--oh, so special. I loved Annabelle's fire, her relationship with her cousin Caro, and her mother and brothers too. But that makes it all the more difficult when she finds herself wed to Simon Blackwell (trust me, it's not trite). Simon is a man who's gone into self-imposed exile after the death of his wife and family. Anne is just the lady to pull him out of his funk and make him start dealing with life again. I found it fascinating watching this hero's journey from a man who barely existed, to a man who won my heart (and Anne's!)a hundred times over. Ms. James' writing is masterful as we watch the layers around Simon peel back little by little until Anne finds the man she always knew she could love. And when they do get together . . . wow. I loved this book, absolutely adored it. It's a keeper, no question. I gather it's the beginning of a series. Can't wait for the next installment!
  
  Buy it. Read it. Enjoy it or you'll regret it.
  
  

• The best romance I've read in ages

  
  By A251ECNAB9TA9Q on 2007-04-04
  This book is an absolute gem. It encompasses all that a romance should be--a compelling, unforgettable love story. This book has a depth of emotion that's not often seen anymore. The conflict never lets up, and neither does the sexual tension. Once I began reading, I couldn't stop until I'd finished. To me, that's the hallmark of a great book. Simon is a haunted, broken man. He's endured heartache no one should ever have to endure, which is why he fights so hard against loving Anne. Anne has the heart and soul and courage to break through Simon's shell to find the real man beneath. I felt every hurt, every ache, every single emotion that Simon and Anne felt, and by the time it ended, I was crying along with them--such happy tears, though, for all they'd been through.
  
  DON'T miss this book. You'll be sorry if you do.
  
  
  

• Almost unreadable

  
  By A2CB7FKI74MTD2 on 2007-04-03
  After the enjoyable "Perfect" series, this is a big disappointment. Trite, predictable story and shabby writing. I can't tell you what happened at the end because I didn't finish it, but I wouldn't waste your money to find out.
  
  
  
  
• Wonderfully emotional and heartfelt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  By A10DCS8UQTNN7D on 2007-04-18
  Samantha James does not disappoint with this one. I loved the book from start to finish and I didn't feel that it took too long to reveal the "secret tragedy" in Simon's life as did some other reviewers. It was midway thru the book and there were plenty of hints and clues about what happened throughout the beginning of the story, so that it was mostly obvious and all that was missing was the exact details. I enjoyed both Simon and Annie so much and loved the development of their relationship during the course of the book. It wasn't frustrating or boring to read at all and kept me flipping pages quickly. Plus the epilogue at the end was a wonderful addition and finished it off well, with a great happy ever after, b/c honestly, isn't that why we read romance novels in the first place?
  
  
• No plot & annoying characters
  By A1GWDRBUMQOCRK on 2007-04-11
  While I've enjoyed this author's other books, this one was a real let down. The cast of supporting characters are annoying and simpering while there is no plot whatever. I began skimming whole sections in an attempt to get to anything good and have found nothing. The heroine is a snipey little girl in a woman's body and we are supposed to feel sorry for her as she treats Simon's past with selfishness. It's all about how she feels...arg. I'm glad I got this free from the library and its going back unfinished.
  
  
• forgettable
  By AW24ODXPY9CMI on 2007-04-27
  I enjoyed this book as I was reading it, but I find that I can't remember much about it now. There was nothing big wrong with it, I liked the characters, but it didn't hold me as some other books have done. If I come upon it again sometime down the road, I may reread it, but I don't think I would search it out. Nice, but forgettable.
  
  
• a bit drawn out and oppresive
  By A2VWE5SGNDS8HW on 2007-07-04
  I don't wish to sound insensitive to Simon's pain and guilt, but "pain & guilt" are so omnipresent in every scene that they become the main characters in the story. Annie and Simon are the supporting characters who make it possible for P & G to do their thing, and that is not a comfortable situation. I'm glad Annie and Simon were able to squeak out a happy ending in the last few pages, but I was exhausted by the time it happened.
  
  
• THis WAS a fabulous book. Dunno what all the fuss is about!!!!!!!
  By A34EX2OSFVCN4M on 2007-07-05
  Okay, I don't know what the other reviewers are "faffing" about with their detrimental reviews for this book. I really loved it. Please follow the advice of all of us who have read it, loved it and enjoyed it and pretend that the other reviews and are not even posted! The story's plot is a little tried and true, yes, but all in all the manner in which it is told really absorbs you and pulls you in. Yup, the book was really great - in the Grand style of Samantha James and it doesn't disappoint AT ALL.
  
  Simon's past entails a horrific tragedy. It is no small wonder that a man who has endured such depth of grief and despair shies away from the world and refutes all notions of ever loving or "living" again.
  
  The depth of emotion that is carried through the book is fabulous and poignant and the way in which Annie brings Simon out of his dark despair is beautifully told. It might be a little annoying not having Simon "spill his guts" to Annie, but it is not hard not to simpathize with him and realize that he can't bring himself to discuss his past easily, specially with kind of "guilt" he is carrying. As the story develops, Annie realizes why he is so frustrating and elusive and she comes to relize how much Simon has fallen in love with her and she with him.
  
  I was a little put off prior to reading it, due to the negative reviews I had read. However, the reader shouldn't put too much confidence in an author's previous writings - they should just enjoy the story and its developments and not be swayed by such high standards. It really spoils it for the rest of us who have an open mind.
  
  
  
• 1st book in the McBride family trilogy
  By A18FUHNBP90IB4 on 2007-05-06
  The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell by Samantha James was very good I finished it in a day! This is the first novel of the McBride Family Trilogy - Annie and Simon's story. In the beginning you don't know why Simon is so reserved and lonely. Annie is very outspoken for the times and knocks heads with Simon from their first meeting. A outspoken Scot is just want Simon needs... It is a great story about two real people learning to love. Can't wait for Aidan's book (Annie brother) this fall and Alec (the head of the McBridge family and a Scottish duke).
  
  
• It Was Okay......
  By A22TM8LN69R64 on 2007-05-17
  I liked Ms. James writing style always have but this wasnt as good as her Perfect Hero books. I felt compelled to finish reading it, because the characters had so much depth to me, although the store was a bit dry I was pulling for Simon amd Annbel to find their own happiness through the tragedy that befalls Simon. I finished with a contentment of sorts. If you are a hold hearted Samatha James fan go for it....if your trying her out for the first time I would recommend "My Lord Conqueror" or the Sterling Family serious trilogy "A Perfect Bride", "A Perect Hero" and "A Perfect Groom" and last but not least "A Promise Given" I believe these are better representations of Ms. James style...
  
  
• Very Enthralling!
  By A3ALZZUXVW7838 on 2007-06-27
  I had not read Samantha James before this novel--and now I will be reading all of her books!
  
  Simon Blackwell has a dark past...so dark and so painful that he cannot believe in love. He cannot let himself ever love again. Our heroine Annabel finds herself in a compromising position with him and suddenly she is married to this handsome, dark and secretive man. Simon, an honorable man, can allow himself to marry but not to love.
  
  I found myself turning the pages--no there is not much physical action between the two main characters--but what there is, is sizzle. And you so many sparks that you cannot help but continue on with this book. The writing is very poetic and sensual. If you want a good story I recommend this book!
  
  
• A more perfect Heathcliffe
  By AC1LIVC0JUQWZ on 2007-07-26
  4 1/2 stars, actually. I really liked this book, but didn't love it.
  
  I actually think Simon had two passions. An old passion [his love for books] is replaced by a new passion [passion for his new wife]. Although Simon never comes out and says he blames his old passion for the tragedy occurred, I think it's why he's so afraid to give into his new passion for his wife and fights so hard from succumbing to his feelings for her.
  
  Most of the story takes place on the Yorkshire moors where storms are deadly. It adds a dark and menacing feel to the story as the danger of history repeating itself is a present danger whenever the bad weather rears its ugly head. The weather is part of what haunts Simon, as well.
  
  I enjoyed reading all of Simon's journal entries as it showed what was going through his mind. While it's a very dark and brooding story, it never gets as dark and brooding as Wuthering Heights and it has a happier ending than Wuthering Heights did. Annabel is the force that brings light into the dark and lonely world Simon has been living in, unlike Heathcliffe and Catherine who seemed to bring out a mutual darkness in each other.
  
  Ultimately it's a novel of finding a way to forgive ourself for the mistakes that we all make as human beings and allowing ourself to find happiness again, despite the fact our guilt makes us feel we don't deserve to ever know happiness again.
  
  Simon Blackwell is a great hero.
  
  
• great heroine
  By A3GHCSLHZZW6S2 on 2007-06-17
  I really liked the heroine in this book, not at the beginning of the book, but after she enters a relationship with the hero. She's gutsy and moves the relationship along. I felt that she's the leader of the relationship, and I like the development of her character.
  I'm not as crazy about the hero, he seems a bit weak, too much the suffering silently type for my liking. He also relies on alcohol to help him at night...AA?? It's a nice romance, I would recommend it.
  
  
• Where was the "Passion" ?
  By A34VJEEAUQJ8LS on 2007-06-21
  I gave this book 2 stars because I have loved most of Samantha James' books, but this was not what I expected. I did not like this book. Simon was a mess through-out and poor Anna just could not get a clue! I agree with "Romancer", NOTHING HAPPENS!!
  
  
• This is a dark, intense and extremely passionate Victorian romance about marriage and overcoming heartache.
  By ABTPKE7W1EDSK on 2007-08-08
  After rescuing the nephew of Lady Annabel McBride, Simon Blackwell is thrust into her company slightly too often for her liking. Is she the only one who can see what a dour, humourless man he is? Apparently so. Which makes her attraction to him all the more inexplicable, and when she's caught locked in a passionate embrace by her arch enemy then her life as she knows it takes a sudden, unhappy turn. Married to a man she's not even sure she likes and taken away from her family and everything she knows, she finds herself half of a union with no seeming chance for success and a husband determined to avoid her. Simon has experienced personal tragedy and knows that no good can come of growing closer to the fascinating woman. For the first time in years he is starting to feel and does everything in his power to bury any remnant of emotion deep within. Annabel begins to realize that her husband is hiding a devastating secret and that he's not as devoid of life and passion as he likes to appear and determined to make this strange marriage work sets out to prove to Simon that they have a chance at a happy future. It's great to see no extraneous distractions and just an intriguing look at this relationship about a man struggling to survive his past and a woman fighting for her future. Beautiful!!
  
  
• HORRIBLE, DREARY, DEPRESSING.
  By A2YV3HC6VMUHTF on 2007-12-01
  I'd give this a minus zero if I could. Unless you enjoy tragedy, don't waste your time. I kept hoping this would get better but it just kept getting more and more depressing. Should have been titled: The Secret TRAGEDY of Simon Blackwell. Passion, what passion? Oh yes, there was that terrific kiss in the beginning then, nearly the whole book with nothing till nearly the end.
  
  
• not bad...not good either
  By A1WON8ODH9V7N8 on 2008-01-14
  This book started off pretty exciting...from the exciting first kiss. Once being married, Anne and Simon don't really do anything except dislike each other and it takes so long for them to finally get together. It has a predictable happy ending. I just wish there was something more...
  
  
• Historical research needed
  By A1U2C7A007SHLG on 2008-01-22
  This author should have learned a lot more about 19th century English divorce law before she designed her plot.
  
  Theres actually a handy pa;erback; Lawrence Stone, Road to Divorce: A History of the Making and Breaking of Marriage in England 1530-1987 (Oxford University Press, 1995).
  
  
• Very Good
  By A1FZSV1KWHUH5V on 2007-05-13
  I loved this book, It was so sad, when Simon has to explain to Annabel about what happened in his life, i broke down and cried. I also loved the ending for the book. This was a very good read
  
  
• Awesome book to read
  By A2OUIKACPCMI9L on 2007-06-08
  I really enjoyed reading the book .. Samantha James is a great Romantic author.
  
  
• Nice chemistry
  By A2FPD5N9PM5I6X on 2007-07-18
  I enjoyed reading the story of Anne and Simon's marriage based on one scandalous kiss. I like that they got caught right away and forced into marriage. So often that doesn't happen in Regencies. I did like the characters in general, though their inner monologues started repeating about halfway through the book. It got just a bit old. Overall, an enjoyable read with a lot of really nice chemistry between the characters.
  
  
• The Secret Passion
  By A320TMDV6KCFU on 2007-07-24
  Simon Blackwell has endured a lifetime of tragedy and leads a solitary existence in the country. Taking a rare trip to London, Simon crosses paths with Annabel McBride. Unable to resist her allure, Simon and Annabel, 'Anne,' are found in a compromising situation.
  
  Anne finds Simon irritatingly attractive. He's rude, bossy and irresistible. Anne doesn't know about Simon's tragic past and is confused by the mixed signals he's sending her. She can sense that he wants her but he refuses to take her. Anne wants more from Simon than an in name only marriage. She wants his passion. She wants his heart. But does Simon have a heart left to give?
  
  Historical romance fans take note, do not miss this sensual first book in what promises to be a delicious new Samantha James trilogy. The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.
  
  I must admit that I now have a secret passion FOR Simon Blackwell. A man that loves with his whole heart just rings my bell. Simon's love for Anne and hers for him was just heart warming.
  
  The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell is not to be missed!
  
  Annmarie reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
  
  
  
  
• Not bad- could have been better.
  By A2JU7WVSYXDOL9 on 2007-08-15
  I'm not going to give a synopsis here but I will say, Secret Passions pretty much fit the bill for what I had been looking for- a good ol' fashioned historical romance novel.
  
  As a whole, I liked the story. Still, I felt like it seemed to be missing ... something. Something bogged the novel down. Some have suggested that Simon's secret took too long to reveal. My feeling was more that it took too long for Simon to give in to his attraction to Anne. Believe me I love sexual tension being drawn out as much as the next person, but it didn't work for this one. It's a fine line but the author missed it here by over shooting the mark.
  
  My other slight annoyance with the book was the feeling that the author ripped off scenarios. At one point I was like- "oh that's totally Jane Austen" and the next, "I saw that in Beauty and the Beast". Now don't get me wrong, A little Pride and Prejudice never hurt any novel, but I felt like she was ripping the dialog more often than not, which is more heinous to me than ripping the plot.
  
  Anyway, all and all a not bad read, but one that had the potential to be a better read I think.
  
  
  

• Beware a Scot's Revenge (School for Heiresses, Book 3)
• Bedding the Heiress
• And Then He Kissed Her
• Mine Till Midnight (The Hathaways, Book 1)
• The Perils of Pursuing a Prince (Desperate Debutantes, Book 2)