A Dangerous Beauty Reviews

• Simply Put - OUTSTANDING

  
  By A3B48AN8JID1JK on 2007-06-22
  Spirited and passionate for life Lady Rosamund grew up loved and spoiled by an adoring father, but after an innocent and impulsive mistake her world came crashing down. To avoid a forced marriage with a man whom she knew loved another, she ran away and married a man who unbeknownst to her would show her over the next eight years what degradation and servitude was all about. Finally widowed and free without means to support herself she is saved by an invitation from the Dowager Duchess of St. Albyn to spend the season with her and her clandestine ladies club. Trying to stay in the shadows as much as possible and not draw attention to herself, she can't help being tempted by the dowager's sinfully handsome grandson, Luc St. Aubyn aka, Lord Fire and Ice.
  
  
  
  A war hero, Luc St. Aubyn is a mystery to most not only hiding his secret pain behind a blistering cynical persona, but his secret profession as the mysterious author behind a sarcastic and cynical dictionary that has taken the ton by storm! As much as these two emotionally scarred individuals face off with outrageous dialogs meant to best one another, they only up the ante for a passionate coupling that eventually reveals truths that set them free to love and live.
  
  
  
  Wow! I knew Ms. Nash from her terrific traditional regencies but she has upped the bar with this longer historical proving to me she is the real deal with a star that has definitely reached its pinnacle. This first novel in the `merry widows' series was filled with emotion and an impressive cast of extremely well developed characters from Rosamunde and Luc to the dowager duchess Ata who also proved to be a tiny force to be reckoned with!
  
  
  
  The story was well conceived and flawlessly implemented in bringing Rosamunde back to the scene of her downfall. The times Rosamunde courageously held back her tears were the times I shed mine for her and the heartache she had endured. The reader will also relish the witty banter between Luc and Rosamunde as he tried to provoke her into letting loose the passionate and adventuresome spirit he recognized which she tried to hold back. Their passion was extremely palatable and steamy and you'll find yourself cheering Luc on as he initiates Rosamunde in the ways of love and passion between a man and woman as well as applaud the way Luc, Ata and the merry widows all gather together to defend and speak up to those who try to cause further pain to our courageous heroine. This is one read that promises a wealth of entertainment, laughter, poignancy, tears and joy that I heartily recommend. Write fast Ms. Nash, I can't wait to see what else you have in store for the `merry widows'!
  
  
  
  Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization - for, www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com
  
  
  
  
  
  

• I loved it!

  
  By A1K01YFQZAKSTO on 2007-06-10
  Really, really loved this book! It was such a beautiful, passionate love story - the best I've read in a long time.
  
  The characters were richly drawn - especially the hero who was so charismatic and darkly humorous. He was brooding, sensitive, and oozing sexuality. The heroine, Rosamunde was an intriguing woman who longs to live life to the fullest but was forced to repress her desires due to previous scandal. And the dowager duchess who has invited her to stay with her for the season as well as a group of other widows was absolutely hilarious. This book is deeply emotional, very sensual, and the prose is excellent. I highly recommend it.
  
  
  

• Loved It !!

  
  By A30APUIUZTH9TE on 2007-06-02
  The widow Rosamunde Baird has fallen on hard times. A past scandal has follwed her for years. Estranged from her family, Rosamunde and her beautiful younger sister live in poverty, until she receives an invitation from the dowager duchess of Helston to join the widow's club and attend a wedding at the home of Luc St. Aubyn, Duke of Helston. What ensues during the visit makes for an excellent read.
  The book begins a bit lighthearted but quickly evolves into an intense, emotional ride. Rosamunde has endured an unfeeling and abusive first husband and is in no mood to tie herself to anyone. Luc is a wonderful tortured hero who fled from his father's domination and indifference.
  The secondary characters are well developed and you'll fall in love with the dowager duchess as she weaves these two injured souls together.
  I loved Spohia Nash's trads and have been looking forward to this release. The longer length format suits her very well. Do yourself a favor and read this book. Then, go after the backlist.
  
  

• Lush, Lovely Definition of Relaxation

  
  By A2OIX4KBD3FVC5 on 2007-06-19
  For many readers a good thriller or (horrors!) romantic suspense is the way to go, but if you have more than enough stress in your life with no need to go out and purchase a book to add more--go no further than this terrific book. Written in a descriptive manner than takes you right into the heart of a beautiful setting, with caring individuals throughout the novel that are unpredictible and fresh, this writer is well worth your investment of time and $$$. The only reason I didn't give a higher rating is the "dreadful" secret takes a little tooo looong to be explained. This writer will be an auto-buy for me from now on when I need an escape from both the rigors of the real world and so many "urban fantasy" popular novels. Find a pile of fluffy pillows, some soft socks so your bare feet don't get chilled, a lovely cuppa' tea and take a break.
  
  

• The Bland Adventures of Heroine Angst and Kissing! (D Grade)

  
  By A1AKQ1YUS4BT82 on 2007-07-31
  The title and book cover is lovely, but other than that this newest by Nash for Avon is a major disappointment. The plot and characters were written in a way that has been done over and over again. Simply, no originality here.
  The heroine Rosamunde has been harshly punished for simply kissing a young man (GASP THE HORROR!) when she was a teenager and because of that she runs away and marries a man who tortures her sexually for years because she is wanton and a sex fiend- all because of a kiss. PLEASE!
  Her hasty first husband (Yes, that typical nasty first husband always found in these types of stories) has died and Rose needs to dance a jib because she is free! But she can't because she has no money and she assumes her father and brothers have all disowned her because of that scandal of the kiss. Watch as the ton and townspeople talk about her and whisper ghastly things about her.
  But Rose is stronger than that and goes to a house party she was invited to by some older woman who is rich or has some title. Her grandson is also there- Luc who is nicknamed "Fire and Ice" because in bed he is a firecracker but in public he is mean and cold.
  But there is something about Rose Luc likes. They have witty conversations and lovely kissing in the dark hallways of his huge mansion. Luc has a boat and watch him seduce Rose on there because she needs some pleasure and it is her decision with no one to tell her otherwise!
  There is some inane plot about Luc having money problems, going blind from an illness, getting his eyesight back and some mystery with Rose's younger sister Sybil that comes out at the end.
  Will Rose be forgiven from daddy dearest and will Luc marry her and continue to seduce her on his boat? That is one mystery that won't be hard to figure out.
  
  Katiebabs
  
  
  
• Waiting For the Sequel
  By A3NPCJJDWAN9IW on 2007-07-20
  This was my first time reading Sophia Nash, but it won't be my last.
  I haven't read a Regency Romance in 30 years and what a great book to get reacquainted with this genre.
  Loved the plot, the characters were wonderful and the writing superb! I'm now anxiously waiting for the sequel due out in February. Nash has been added to my list of favorite authors.
  
  
• 1st Book in the Widows Club series
  By A18FUHNBP90IB4 on 2007-08-13
  A Dangerous Beauty by Sophia Nash is the story of Rosamunde who becomes an outcast and her fight to find peace again. Rosamunde and her sister are invited into The dowager duchess's secret club which is Luc St. Aubyn's grandmother's club. He finds himself helping all the widows but this one is different. This book was great - some surprising twists, great romance and strong charcters. Can't wait the second book in the Widows Club series 'The Kiss' Coming out February 26, 2008.
  
  
  
• Wasted Time
  By A3MRZSEI65B27 on 2007-09-16
  A better name for this book would have been "Wasted Time". The alternative title would describe what happens when people who supposedly love each other squander happiness because of their inner doubts about the love of family. It also describes how I felt after reading this book.
  
  I was distracred from the main romance(such as it was) by the coldness of the heroine's family. The explanations from the father and the brother at the end were weak at best. And the sister!
  
  There were also too many secondary characters and the two leads had no charisma or chemistry.
  
  I found the heroine to be passve and, at the same time, foolhardy to the extreme. She was mainly a hapless victim. When she did find enough backbone to make decisions, they were ususally very bad ones.
  
  I also didn't like the fact that the hero actually PROPOSED marraige to a another woman AFTER he and the heroine had progressed to sexual intimacy.
  
  I see that there has been only one other one star review. I am perplexed by this. I guess the readers just have to judge for themselves. If some of them read this book despite this and the other one star review, they can't say there were not warned.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• A Dangerous Beauty
  By A2E627WCISLG0N on 2007-09-18
  This book is a keeper.. I would caution readers not to dismayed by the low rankings after reading them I can assure you they are misguided. For one poster did not even get the secondary characters right. Another did not even get the plot points correct. They either did not finish the book or just skimmed it...
  
  
• Great Book!!!
  By A24CHAHVQYBFUZ on 2007-06-14
  I loved the story of Rosa and Luc! Rosamunde was a headstrong, beautiful and witty heroine that because of a very small indiscretion tumbled from grace. Luc, the tortured (and hysterical) duke comes to her rescue. I disagree with the reviewer that said the book was too long...it could've been longer! To develop a truly believable relationship between two people takes time...and words. I couldn't put it down for (anything) the last 80 pages, the suspense leading up to how the hero/heroine would resolve their 'dilemma' was excellent! It was a great love story with a humorous bent that dealt with the emotional issue of spousal abuse. I'd highly recommend this book to one and all.
  
  
• A Deeply Emotional Read
  By A255R0PBNQ2FXC on 2007-07-08
  I loved this story! From its once-upon-a-time feeling at the opening through the emotional scenes in the middle (when Rosamunde attends the wedding, the illness afterwards, and the beautiful countess's competition) to the ending when the true basis of the scandal is revealed (which I never saw coming until I realized the clues!) this was a story I couldn't put down. It is richly written. I loved Luc as Lord Fire and Ice. (sigh!) Because the reader was in Rosamunde's viewpoint, I could identify with her--and I loved Ata. I want to grow up to be like her.
  
  Of course I'm gushing over this book. Read it and you will, too.
  
  
• AB FAB!!!!!! A MARVELOUS ROMANCE STORY
  By A34EX2OSFVCN4M on 2007-08-12
  Pulling away from her usual small Regency style, Sophia Nash catapults into the world of historical novels with explosive force, with this most marvelous and highly spirited touching story of two souls who meet and struggle to become one.
  
  Enter Rosamunde Baird, beloved daughter and impish, carefree girl adored by every member of the Langdon family. In an lighthearted and thoughtless act, a simple solitary kiss ends Rosamunde's "Rose" idyllic, sheltered life, and all her happy childhood dreams are turned to ashes. After a horrid confrontation with her father and the Duke of Helston and his son Lord Henry, with whom she has committed the indiscretion of asking him for a kiss, Rosamunde refuses her father's and the Duke's edict to marry Henry, the man she "loves" because she knows he loves another.
  
  One more reckless and thoughtless decision places Rose in the hands of Mr. Baird, who arrives claiming he loves her. She decides to elope with him after the events past. Unfortunately for Rose, Mr. Baird is really after the family fortune, and upon learning that Rose is left penniless after fleeing her home and abandoning her family, his abusive treatment of her is hell on earth. She endures 8 years of degradation at the hands of her husband. Her sister Sylvia is also with her, who decided she didn't want her sister Rose to suffer her shame alone. After her husband's death, she receives a letter from the Dowager Duchess of Helston, asking her to join her Widows Club and join her at her summer home for the wedding celebration of her niece Madeline.
  
  Meet the current Duke, Luc St Aubyn. Henry, his brother who supposedly defiled Rose has died at sea and so has the old Duke in carriage accident. Luc, a captain in the British navy, battles ghosts of his own and is known among the Ton as the Lord of Fire and Ice. He has put together a dictionary with humorous and witty nouns, called Lucifer's Lexicon.
  
  Upon meeting Rosemunde, he is fascinated by her and puzzled as he tries to make sense of the vicious gossip revolving around the two Langdon sisters by the guests gathered at Amberley for the impending wedding of his sister Madeline.
  
  A Dangerous Beauty is a turbulent and passionate romance, revolving with wit, humor and superbly narrated. The dialogue between Luc and his grandmother, the Dowager Duchess that everyone calls Ata, is really hilarious.
  
  Ms. Nash' flawless prose draws you into the Regency era with clever repartee and sharp banter by the many delightful characters revolving in this story. This an absolute joy to read. You are literally transported to the drawing rooms and glittering ballrooms of the season and I am sure after reading this, you will have this one on your Keeper Shelf! Enjoy!
  
  
  
  
• A Dangerous Beauty
  By A2XHXXH9QV7W6B on 2007-10-19
  I loved this book I could not put it down I read it in one day.
  I can not wait for the 2nd book in the series.
  I feel in love with characters, I laughed I cried.
  Awesome read
  
  
• Well Done Ms. Nash!
  By A1R48YO4NJHPNP on 2008-03-25
  Where to start, where to start? This story was absolutely glorious!! So I will begin by saying it is now one of my all time favorite historical romances now! I deeply loved it. Ms. Nash is now officially an auto-buy for me. I don't particularly like to go where so many have already gone before so I won't go into too much detail of the story because too many others already have. I will say that this was one of those books that was so incredibly hard for me to put down. I was completely encapsulated and totally enthralled. One of the things I appreciate so much in books is keeping details of surroundings and characters thoughts to a minimum and keeping the dialogue between the main characters at a maximum. I simply loved the relaxed and humorous dialogue between our heroine Rosamunde and our hero Luc St. Aubyn. "Luc" is short for "Lucifer" and even though he acted and appeared sometimes like the devil he was actually an angel underneath. In short he was delicious! The love between the two was allowed to blossom over time as we got to know them both and they got to know each other...which I truly appreciate seeing that develop. Luc also sort've developed a protectiveness for Rosamunde (as well as an attraction) because in many ways she was mistreated by her family and society for what appears to us in this day and age as a preposterous reason to cast a person off (he saw that as well) and I think because people often misjudged him and sucked up to him because of his title adn money. That was so often the case in that day and age...people believing a title and riches was what made you important- it was the way of the society. How Rosamunde's father could do what he did to her was so terrible just casting her off based on a rumor but we do later understand things weren't as bad as they appeared. Rosamunde was a beautiful person inside and out and Luc's protectiveness allowed his true character to just shine so brightly. Near the last couple of chapters I knew my heart was aching for her...the pain she suffered for so many years for something people only thought she did and believed was not even the truth! As her relationships began to heal with her family emotionally I was wrung out. I had to stop reading several times because I started crying and I was at work on a break! Again this story truly resonated in my own heart. We often long for our own personal heartaches to workout just the same. The end was quite a surprise...a secret to end Rosamunde's misery and pain. I did not see that coming at all. When the story was over I just sat on my bed and cried. Can't really explain that here. It was quite the emotional journey..for me at least. When a made up story touches me and moves me that much I think it has become a real winner in my "book"...no pun intended. Again I highly recommend this book...wonderful and engrossing story. Ms. Nash you are a treasure! I can't wait for the next one.
  
  
• I liked it--I would like to read more by this author!
  By ADYED6Z2R1R0Z on 2008-04-07
  Lots of angst and pain in this tale! Poor Rosamunde Baird is a strong and adventurous woman who should have led a charmed life; instead she refuses to marry when she is compromised and has been a pariah from society and ill-treated by a cruel husband ever since. Fortunately, her husband has died. Unfortunately, she is still a pariah and has no money and no shelter other than her husband's very similar cousin. But a strange invitation arrives from the Dowager Duchess of Helston (related to the man Rosamunde refused to marry), who has a Widows Club for those who deserve something better out of life. Rosamunde certainly qualifies. And the Duchess has a cynical, rakish son, Luc St. Aubyn, who has inherited after his older brother's death (he who was involved in Rosamunde's downfall), who for some reason begins to take an interest in helping Rosamunde keep safe and restore her name... Could it be Love??? Of course!
  
  Although the nasty villains and not-so-nasty types who somehow contribute to the villainy is hard to stomach, the thought that it will all work out well in the end sustains the reader. And watching to see how Rosamunde will get her spirit back and Luc will leave his demons behind and save himself and his love makes this tale worth reading.
  
  
• A Great Surprise
  By A3TR6DRQ935DIQ on 2008-04-14
  `A Dangerous Beauty' - frankly put, this novel surprised me. Despite all the positive reviews I was still a bit skeptical in regards to its greatness when I purchased the book. I'd recently been treading through some mediocre to really bad romance novels over the past couple of weeks and was in desperate need of something clever with a sweep-me-off-my-feet feeling. I honestly didn't believe that Sophia Nash would deliver but if I saw her today I would drop to my knees and beg forgiveness for doubting her. The novel was simply beautiful and exhibited all the great qualities of a truly great romance: Love, Sacrifice, Betrayal, Abandonment, Forgiveness etc.
  
  Mrs. Rosemunde Baird, a penniless widow with a questionable reputation and spinster sister - Lady Sylvia, are taken under the tiny wing of Ata, the Dowager Duchess of Helston for the summer season. With an invitation to join Ata's "Widows Club" the girls remove to the Helston country seat in Cornwall. A once passionate and reckless beauty, her now guarded and cold nature sparks the interest of the new Duke of Helston, Luc St. Aubyn upon her immediate arrival.
  
  A second son, Luc St. Aubyn, has recently inherited the ducal title form his late brother Henry. A Navel Captain with an affinity for books, he hides beneath a jaded and cruel façade. Fascinated with Rosemunde's bottled passion and wounded eyes, he embarks on a mission to open her closed heart. He discovers Rosemunde's tragic downfall from the reining beauty and daughter of an Earl to a social outcast in rags who survived an abusive husband. With achingly slow care, Luc shows Rosemunde the true pleasure that can be had between a man and a woman. Although in love, family duty and propriety initially prevent these two from true bliss but in the end they receive they're much deserved Happily-ever-After.
  
  I really loved Rosemunde's character. Ms. Nash had an expert way of showing small tidbits of her personality and gradually the reader discovers her past and what caused her to eventually become the woman she was. This process kept the pages turning frantically in order to discover the reasons for her wounded nature. Rosemunde was a considerably strong woman with a true knowledge of who she is flaws and all. That strength made me admire her and support her in her love for Luc.
  
  Luc was equally interesting. He was so clever and Rosemunde matched him wit for wit. His past was of course tragic, and all shaped him dramatically. But, Rosemunde understood him from the beginning.
  
  The novel from beginning to end was fantastic. There is neither a boring middle part nor any great or ridiculous misunderstanding. It's fast paced and wonderfully romantic. Be prepared to laugh and cry over Rosemunde's and Luc's love story. Thank you Ms. Nash for writing such a beautiful romance novel and relieving me of bad book slump!
  
  
  
• delightful Regency romance
  By AFVQZQ8PW0L on 2007-06-04
  Following her inappropriate behavior with Lord Sumner ending with her refusal to marry him in spite of their indiscretion on the beach and her father's ire, she settled for a loveless match with a squire. Having barely survived the scandal that shamed her beloved father, Lady Rosamunde Baird vows to avoid any impropriety. When she became a widow, the Dowager Duchess of Helston and her female minion allow her to join their flock for the season; Rosamunde assumes this is easy cover to steer clear of discrediting her family name although her indiscretion eight years ago was with the Helstons.
  
  However, to her chagrin, her dowager hostess has a hunk of a grandson Luc "Lord Fire and Ice" St. Aubyn. His nickname comes from heating the passion of women until he cools them down by leaving them behind. He on the other hand initially assumes she is another of his grandmother's vapid friends until he goes riding with her. As they fall in love, scandal seems on the horizon with the exposure of him as the author of a sarcastic dictionary written under an alias.
  
  The roguish Luc turns this delightful Regency romance into a fast-paced tale as he takes up the challenge of Rosamunde, who goes out of her way to avoid scandal. Once they go riding, he is hooked as she is the best rider regardless of gender he has ever seen. Fans will enjoy his antics as he lives up to the first half of his nickname heating a despairing Rosamunde but finds he does not want to cool their ardor. With Bierce's Devil's Dictionary leading each chapter with fun asides, Sophia Nash provides a lighthearted entertaining historical romance starring two opposites when it comes to scandalous behavior. Sub-genre fans will enjoy this gender war.
  
  Harriet Klausner
  
  
  
• Well written
  By A1DK14IVK8GSKF on 2007-09-10
  The story is conveyed with a directness and honesty I thoroughly enjoyed. Rosamunde's description of her unhappy life with a former husband (pg 168) is one of the most poignant passages I've read in a romance novel. There were many such re-readable passages throughout the book.
  
  The book held my interest a bit more in the first half than in the second. The dialogue is witty, though very occasionally (for me) Luc's quips edge toward silliness. I would not call this book erotic, but the first of the two lovemaking scenes is lengthy and sexy.
  
  Overall this book was worth reading. I liked it. Sophia Nash writes well and knows how to construct a story.
  
  
• loved it!
  By A1Z8C00H5EF3K6 on 2007-11-27
  I was really shocked when I bought this book. It was not what I was expecting. This is a great erotic historical romance novel that will keep you from cooking your dinner and from falling a sleep! I couldn't put it down so I could just find out what is going to happen next! I plan on reading more of her books. One of my favorite authors is Cheryl Holt's. I have read every book she has written. This was just as fabulous! I can wait to read more.
  
  
• just not long enough.....
  By A1OP4JV3DLZRBZ on 2008-01-24
  This is a good book. Not great, not memorable, not life-changing, just good. I'll refrain from giving a synopsis as other reviewers have done such a great job, but I will tell you why I give this 3 stars.
  
  The torture of this heroine took place within the confines of a marriage that we are not privy to. She speaks of the marriage only in bits and pieces to the Dowager and then to Luc. This is such a huge component of this book and it's what makes her the woman that she is, however, because it is skimmed over so quickly and ineffectively, something important to empathizing and identifying with the heroine is lost.
  
  Luc is also skimmed over. It is obvious that he has issues with his late father but again, we are left without the vital information and depth that would makes us care.
  
  I thought it was very well written. I loved the definitions from The Devil's Dictionary that was at the beginning of each chapter, and I did care about the characters...just not enough to make this anything else besides...okay.
  
  

• The Kiss
• Three Nights of Sin
• Just Wicked Enough
• Lord Sin (Book One: Rakes of London)
• The Duke of Shadows