Customer Reviews

The Kiss (Widows Club, Book 2)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

What do you do when you've been in love with someone since childhood but he marries someone else? Georgiana Wilde ends up marrying her other childhood playmate, Quinn's cousin Anthony. When he dies on their wedding night Georgiana finds herself in an awkward position with her mother-in-law doubting their marriage was true and trying to eject Georgiana from the house. After all, the daughter of their steward ought not to be raised up to the position of Marchioness.

A year later, when Quinn returns to Penrose, he finds the situation between Georgiana and his aunt still awkward. He finds himself becoming reacquainted with his childhood friend and watches as she interacts with his daughter, the strangely-named Fairleigh. Fairleigh's mother has died and so Quinn is now single again - and a very eligible Marquis.

Georgiana is surrounded by her friends, most of whom are widows but also Rosamunde, a Duchess. Some realise her feelings towards Quinn, others don't, but as Quinn and Georgiana become closer they are separated by a misunderstanding (a fairly usual plot device in this kind of book). Can they get together? Will Quinn be able to put aside his aloof nature and feel emotions again?

Although there wasn't really anything particularly new or different in this book I did enjoy it. Georgiana was a great character, a lively and self-assured woman who has coped with a disability for years. Quinn's smooth and urbane exterior hides his fear of those he loves abandoning him. The two work well together and the interactions between Quinn and the Duke of Helston were great fun. The author had a pleasant writing style with some good local colour for Cornwall and the lives of landowners. There was a fairly large cast of side characters who I imagine are part of a series this author is writing although this is the first book I have read by her. Overall it was a good read but the hackneyed misunderstanding/man can't say he loves someone plotline is perhaps getting a little bit tired.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008

This book was a struggle to finish, and it's one of the most appalling novels I've read this year so far. Between screaming fishwives and grown men behaving like eight-year-olds and spoilt brats of kids - and complete ignorance of typical customs and even the laws of the period - and a trite, clichéd plot, I was not for one second entertained or even mildly interested.

I don't know where Sophia Nash gets her ideas from concerning proper behaviour in the Regency period, but according to this book she's got it completely wrong. People did not insult each other openly, or shout at each other or make threats. This was the most polite of eras, and insults were even more effective because they were so very subtly done. Courtesy and good manners was strictly the order of the day, and a lady would no more dream of telling another lady that she was badly dressed, or not welcome in her house, than she would jump off a cliff. Instead, displeasure or disapproval was shown by a curtsy being just a shade too shallow, or a nod of acknowledgement a fraction of an inch not low enough. The greatest insult anyone, man or woman, could give in this era was the cut direct. The behaviour of the characters in this book is like something out of a modern-day farce (that I would turn off after three minutes because it was giving me a headache) than a Regency-era novel.

First names are used far too freely here, and even by people outside the aristocratic social class. This is also absolutely wrong for the period and made the book even more unconvincing. Titles are wrong: the dowager marchioness is not and never would be 'Lady Gwendolyn'. That's a different title entirely. Georgiana *would* be called the Marchioness of Ellesmere until she was legally declared otherwise, so all the 'Miss Wilde'-ing is completely inappropriate. And since when is consummation necessary to make a marriage valid in law? (Yes, eventually we were shown an attempt to declare it invalid for a more plausible reason, but everything up until then focused on the question of consummation).

Nash makes up words, which caused yet more eye-rolling on my part. What on earth is a'tall? Bereaving is not a word; there is no gerund derived from the adjective bereaved.

And finally, the characters. Good grief. Was there ever a collection of less-likable individuals anywhere?

I will never be purchasing another book by Nash again; it's back to authors who do understand how to write in the Regency-era, such as Mary Balogh, Carla Kelly and Jo Beverley.

As a child Georgiana Wilde had been close friends with Quinn and Anthony Fortesque. As Georgiana grew up, she secretly loved Quinn. After an accident, Georgiana's leg was disfigured and Quinn was sent away to boarding school. Georgiana had not seen Quinn since the day he married another woman and broke her heart. But now Quinn was a widow with a nine-year-old daughter, Fairleigh, and had returned to Penrose on estate business.

Georgiana had married Anthony, the Marquis of Ellesmere, much to Anthony's mother's anger and dismay. Gwendolyn Fortesque thought Georgiana too common for her precious Anthony! Georgiana was the steward's daughter and disfigured trash. Anthony did not care what his mother thought. He loved Georgiana. However, Anthony died in Georgiana's arms...on their wedding night.

Quinn became the new Marquis of Ellesmere. It was not a title he wanted. Gwendolyn was demanding that Quinn investigate and annul Anthony and Georgiana's marriage. The maids had not seen any blood on the sheets of the newlyweds. Georgiana still resided on Penrose, but does not use the Marchioness of Ellesmere title by choice. Quinn hoped to deal with the matter quickly and leave. He would like nothing more than to turn the entire estate over to Georgiana and leave, forgetting again the painful memories of his former life. Yet her beauty and bravery enticed him. Quinn forced himself not to respond to the urges he has had due to the surprising feelings after one kiss.


**** Author Sophia Nash has yet to write a book that I do not enjoy. There are several secondary characters; many are part of the Widows Club (a.k.a. the Barely Bereaving Beauties'). It consists of four widows, most young, and they are all residing at Penrose, invited by Georgiana. These ladies and Fairleigh combine to make a witty addition to the story, at times downright hilarious. Luc and Rosa, from a previous story, are secondary characters too. If you have not read their tale, you will not be left adrift at all. Fans of Regency Romance will NOT be disappointed with this story. There are many road blocks for the main couple to over come and a few surprises along the way. Recommended! ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Georgiana Wilde is the fun-loving, list-making steward's daughter. She grew up with the heir to the estate and his cousin, who she has secretly loved her entire life. But when an accident separates the three of them, she gives up her dreams. The story begins on her wedding night to the heir, her best friend, but there's a great twist at the end of the chapter.

The hero, Quinn Fortesque, has had to make his way in life never expecting to become the next Marquis of Elesmere. The last thing he wants to do is return to the estate where he spent many years after his parents died and where his life took a dramatic turn for the worse. But when he goes to Penrose, and meets the circle of ladies staying there, he comes face to face with his childhood friend who has developed into a dynamic force at the estate. Since I don't want to give any spoilers, I can only add that there are a couple of surprising, wonderful layers to this story that were brilliantly handled.

This was an amazing love story. I had read the first book in the series, A Dangerous Beauty, and fell in love with all the characters. I wondered if this second book would be able to stand up to the other one. Now, I think I like this one even better. This one can be read without reading the other book first. There are some fun glimpses of the other book's characters in this one. As soon as I was done with The Kiss, I immediately wanted to reread it - a sure sign that it goes in the keeper pile. I think what I liked about the way this story is told is that there is terrific depth to the characters, and the fast-paced plot unfolds in an unpredictable way. I stayed up all night to finish it. The passion between the two main characters is very steamy, there's great humor in the dialogue, and lots of poignancy throughout. I hope the next one in the series comes out soon. This is a great series so far.

I have read all of Ms Nash's previous books, and I had really liked one of her older Signets, so I ordered this one -- to my regret. I got about halfway through and gave up. I didn't feel emotionally engaged in the story -- it was all just too familiar sounding. I really gave up, though, because it seemed to me that the prose, if not purple, was definitely verging on the fuchsia, with touches of the itsy-poo in the passages about children, and the characters' dialogue was much too modern-sounding. The book also suffers from sequelitis, a condition in which characters from previous books are dragged in for no particular reason, flounce around for a while, and then leave without having done anything important. I did think the heroine's little lists were amusing. I wouldn't call it a wallbanger, but I would only recommend this one to readers who want an undemanding fast light read and haven't read very many regencies as yet.

Feisty, hard-working, and strong-willed Georgiane has always loved Quinn, her childhood friend who was sent away because of a tragic accident that disabled her. When fate brings Quinn back to the estate, Georgiane struggles to keep hidden the secret and unrequited love she has always had for Quinn, whom she believed was lost to her forever. Quinn also harbors secrets and hurts, and a determination to never trust another woman with his heart. There's a wonderful secondary cast of characters to keep the plot from drowning in melancholy, and plenty of unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing how Quinn and Georgiane would move beyond their guarded hearts and incorrect assumptions to be together.

Quinn Fortesque and Georgiana Wilde grew up together, along with Quinn's cousin, Anthony. After a terrible accident, Quinn is sent away, breaking Georgiana's heart.

Year's later, Georgiana marries Anthony, who unexpectedly dies of a heart attack on their wedding night, leaving Georgie's right to the title of marchioness in dispute. Quinn returns from a diplomatic journey to Portugal, determined to settle the matter of the title once and for all, and live at the family house.

Quinn wasn't expecting to feel anything again, not since his trust had been destroyed over and over again. He was a devoted father and that was all that mattered to him. But then he sees Georgiana and all his carefully constructed walls begin to tumble down.

The Kiss is the second of the Widow's Club series, a fun series loosely set around a group of widowed ladies and their leader, Ata. I have enjoyed both books (the first being A Dangerous Beauty) and look forward to the next.

The Kiss is a sprawling story, with offshoots of plot that come swirling back around. Georgiana is a wounded beauty, and generally strong-willed, except for where her heart is concerned. In fact, she is a little too caring, often letting others' happiness rule her decisions. Quinn is a bit stiff in some ways, with a wide heart he tries to keep hidden, scared of hurt. Even the character of Fairleigh, Quinn's daughter, is fun to read, and not as annoying as precocious child characters can often be. Every person in The Kiss is a joy to follow as they make their way through the story, and continues Ms. Nash's ability to write fantastic historical romance.

Niki Lee
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Sophia Nash's latest novel was a witty tale that warmed my heart. Quinn was the ultimate sexy tortured hero. Georgiana was an independent, intelligent, and funny heroine. It made me laugh (a lot) and cry at the same time. There were unexpected twists and tension galore. It had it all... you'll love it!

I'm a sucker for the books in which one has always loved the object of his/her affection. This is no exception. When there is a history the author elaborates on and develops, it makes for such good reading. This is not a leave you breathless romance novel, it is a love story and a very engaging read. This author writes well and I can't wait til she releases another. 4.5 Stars

This story was really beautiful and lovely and eloquently written with very well defined main characters. I was very moved and it truly resonated with me personally. I would have felt better if I could have given it 4 and 1/2 stars but we can't here. So I stuck with 4 since her preceding book was more of a 5 star for me. But it was awfully close. Because others have gone into more decription of the story I won't do that. No need. It IS a romance book so as readers we knew the hero and the heroine would get together somehow but the journey to get them to that point was a nice one and you really wanted them to as well. I appreciate the idea of old friends and hidden feelings over time for a book. The interesting thing is and what rang true for me is this so often happens even today. You care about a friend and over time your feelings develop for them and you just can't believe they could feel anything other than friendship for them and you never tell them. Like in this story the other person perhaps returns the feelings ,but, misreads you as well. Years go by and you see each other from time to time and experience a great loss when they go back to their life again. The feelings just get renewed with each visit until one day you are reunited in life and the feelings starting jumping out everywhere and you just don't know if you can stand being near them believing they couldn't possibly feel the same when in actuality they do. Georgiana and Quinn were just that couple and I was just on the edge waiting for them to finally come together. It was Ms. Nash's writing that kept me in that state. Along the way we get to know them as people and they come to life off the pages. We are enraptured with their story and we care for them and want them to work everything out keeping them apart. I admit I cried at the end because I became so emotionally involved. It was that beautiful of a story...very touching, very emotional, and very moving. Georgiana was the perfect heroine and Quinn was an amazing hero. It wasn't a hard read or a long grueling read, no boredome either. But it was a very pleasant and enjoyable read. I highly recommend it to any historical romance readers. You will be smiling when it's over and wanting more.