Customer Reviews

A Passion for Him (Georgian, Book 3)

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

 

 

Raised by a despicable father, Amelia Benbrige was always on the move. Never in one place for too long. Forced to live nearly alone and endure the never ending turn around of governesses and servants. Friendships were scarcely made and then broken. The only constants in her life were the groomsman and the gypsy stable boy. A boy close to Amelia's age who brought her laughter, light and true love. That is until he risked his life for her and died.

Colin Mitchell has been living a secret life for six years. A life that he hoped would bring him riches and a title, making him into someone who would be suitable for a peer's daughter. Now that he has all that, the only thing missing is the woman he's loved for years. But now it may be only too little too late. Amelia's about to marry another. And even if she succumbs to the phantom's kisses, will she ever forgive him for his *death* when her lover is unmasked?

This is the third book in the Georgian set series by Day. 'Passion For The Game' being the prequel. I liked that one, but its not necessary to read it before. This is a stand alone book. Nearly all the parts with Amelia and Colin are rewritten as flash backs here. (Plenty of Maria & Christopher from PFTG -so you may want to read the prequel for that reason)

Now what did I think about the book? Ahhhhh!...Yet another one of those unrequited love books (which gosh darn it I love!). Only here the heroine thinks the hero has been long dead, so she doesn't understand her immediate attraction to the masked stranger. Day puts her own spin on this one with her signature super steamy love scenes (wowsa!), well drawn out characters and danger laced plot. I especially liked that the length of time the reader was in suspense over which when the hero would be unmasked. And heck it was sure worth the wait! ;) I also appreciated the rival suitor not being some toad, but rather an extremely handsome and eligible Earl. I mean really! Whose going to choose spam when they could have filet mignon? Those book irritate me.

A Passion For Him is another well written romance that kept me turning the pages well into the night with toothpicks keeping my eyes open (OK so thats a lie :)). But I really do enjoy all of Days historical romance (not a lie! I swear!). She's one of the authors I turn to when I want a bit of extra sizzle over the typical historical. If you don't believe me then read 'Bad Boys Ahoy', just keep a fire extinguisher handy. And if you like this then you might also enjoy Lisa Valdez's 'Passion', Kalen Hughes 'Lord Sin' and Elizabeth Holt's 'The Raven Prince' and its sequels.

**This book is my Recommended Read for November 2007!**

Six long, mournful years ago, Amelia's life was turned upside down. Her father was exposed as the criminal he was, she was reunited with her long-lost sister, and she lost the love of her life. Resigned to the fact that her one chance at true romantic love was lost with her childhood sweetheart's murder, she faces a promising future as wife of the Earl of Ware, her long-time friend and trusted confidante. But having once tasted abiding love and unbridled passion, albeit unconsummated, she yearns for more.

Colin came very close to losing his life that fateful night when he helped Amelia escape her father's evil clutches. But he survived. Indeed, he did more than survive, using their separation to build his status from that of a gypsy stable boy with no future to that of a mysterious and obscenely wealthy nobleman.

Now, when Colin has retired from his short stint as a secret agent, ready to return to Amelia and claim her for his own, the enemies he made along the way endanger everything he has sacrificed for all these years. Worse, Colin's own decisions threaten to destroy Amelia's trust in him forever.

I only just read the previous story to this one, Passion for the Game, a few months ago, but it knocked my socks off to the point where I was left panting for its sequel! Between Sylvia Day being firmly ensconced on my list of very favorite authors and the previous book in this passionate (pun intended) series, my expectations for 'A Passion For Him' were extremely high. As usual, Ms. Day does not disappoint her fans. This book lives up to every hope and dream this reviewer had for Colin and Amelia, making the interminable moments of anticipation waiting for its release more than worthwhile.

Raised in virtual solitude with only servants for companions, closely guarded by her father, the unpretentious Lady Amelia has no notion of the social mores of the real world. She never realized the difference in station between herself and the few friends she made in her childhood. But Colin was never allowed to forget his place in her life, no matter that the love he harbored for her was requited. Knowing he can never give her the life she deserves as a stable boy, he resolves to grab the chance he is given to make something more of himself, with a plan to return to her once he is firmly established. But to take that opportunity, he lets everyone who loves him most believe him dead for six years.

Poor, virtuous Colin is a typical headstrong male - once he decides he knows the best way to proceed, he doesn't always consider the emotional impact of his actions on this around him. Although he had the very best of motivations, and admirable intentions, Colin's methods leave something to be desired. Will those actions cost him the one thing he desires above all else?

Amidst it all, our fair couple, along with their family and friends, is embroiled in an intrigue that keeps them on the edge of danger - a fact that Colin is always conscious of. The unraveling intricacies of the plot against our hero keep the story as exciting as the romance, and the reader on the edge of their seat!

I pre-ordered 'A Passion for Him' with two-day shipping as soon as I read its predecessor, and planned the evening of its UPS delivery around this book. I began reading it the moment I arrived home from work and was, as expected, unable to put it down until I finished the book that same evening. I know fans of Sylvia Day and fans of historical romance will find this delightful new release as gripping as I did!

Series Order:
Ask For It
Passion for the Game
A Passion for Him

Amelia Benbridge seems to have everything a woman could desire. Her upcoming marriage to the Earl of Ware ensures her a place amongst the creme de la creme of society despite her father's shameful captivity. It's not a love match, but Amelia and Ware are good friends. He fully understands that she's never stopped loving Colin, her childhood sweetheart, and still mourns his death but he also believes that they're perfect for each other - after all, many marriages have started with far less than friendship.

Colin Mitchell has loved Amelia for as long as he can remember but the simple fact that he was a stable boy makes any relationship between them futile. Amelia's misguided belief that Colin died presents him with the opportunity to slip away and `make something' of himself and then return to her as a new man - one worthy of her love and hopefully the title of her husband. There's just a few glitches in this plan. Amelia's about to marry another man and she has no idea of his true identity.

Amelia's content with her engagement to the Earl of Ware. They may not be in love but they're comfortable with each other. She's just never felt that special spark with him that she'd had with Colin and doesn't believe any man will ever inspire her to lust again. That is until she notices a masked man watching her at a ball - all of a sudden long dead feelings are roused and she can't understand why that would be. Colin's very careful to keep his true identity a secret. He'd found himself in a bit of trouble while in France just before he departed for England. He has a price on his head and he fears what may happen to Amelia if she's caught in the middle of his problems. He struggles with his desire to remain near her and the necessity to ensure her safety by leaving the area, but that decision is taken out of his hands when Amelia spots him as he tries leaving town and follows him. What follows is a sizzling affair with her mystery lover. How will she react when she learns that her phantom lover is none other than her childhood sweetheart Collin? And can the lovers share a life together free of worry about Collin's past?

Once again Sylvia Day gives readers a book that encompasses all the passion, intrigue and endearing characters that we've come to expect in her storylines. I couldn't help but feel an immediate attachment to Collin and Amelia and had my fingers crossed for a happily-ever-after for them. At the same time I really felt bad for the Earl of Ware. I loved getting the chance to revisit characters from ASK FOR IT and PASSION FOR THE GAME. Now I'll be on the lookout for DON'T TEMPT ME which is due out in March 2008. Sylvia Day never fails to write stories that can transport me to into the characters lives for the extent of the tale and they often live on long after I've finished reading. If you haven't picked up a Sylvia Day book yet then you're missing out.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

A+++!!! I honestly wasn't sure if Day could surpass the previous novel in the series, "Passion for the Game," but this book was just as incredible as the last! I am a HUGE sucker for the "childhood friends turning to romance" plot, especially when it involves huge social class and racial barriers (hero is a half-Gypsy former stable boy). Although this book is a strong stand-alone read, I would recommend reading "A Passion for the Game" beforehand just because almost all of the characters introduced from that novel re-appear in this one. Day also has a wonderful way of writing from every character's perspective, fleshing out realistic multi-dimensional personalities for everyone.

Why I consider this a 5-star read:
- Colin and Amelia's story was as heart-wrenching as expected, I was already anticipating their tale from "Passion for the Game," and was not disappointed!
- Lots of hero jealousy here, and yes, there is a "misunderstanding," but the author does not heavily rely on this plot device to tell her story.
- The love scenes were top quality, realistic and VERY sensual (without being offensive).
- Secondary characters were very well-written, and I especially liked how Lord Ware's character was represented... won't give anything away, but if you liked him in the previous novel, you will like him even more in this one. The heroine's choice of the "right" guy isn't as easy and straight-forward in this book as it is in most other romance novels, which is what makes this story (and its conclusion) much more meaningful and memorable =)
- The plot was very well-paced and nicely balanced with the proper blend of romance, secondary characters, suspense, and of course, the extremely sensual love scenes ;)
- Now, I am absolutely dying to read Simon's story,(does anyone else think the Simon on that cover looks absolutely *divine*? ^_^) I believe he may end up with Lysette Roussou (maybe, maybe not?), another fascinating character that was introduced in this story, and I can't wait to read her story, too! Just don't want to wait all the way 'til April... grr.

Honestly haven't read a "great" romance in months, so this one was a very refreshing and wonderful experience. Other reads I would recommend with similar plots are Again the Magic by Lisa Kleypas, When Angels Fall by Meagan McKinney, Paradise by Judith McNaught (contemporary), All Things Beautiful by Cathy Maxwell, and of course, Passion for the Game by Sylvia Day (which introduces all the main characters from this story).

Happy reading!

I recently bought my first Sylvia Day book, and I loved her writing. This was my second book, and it was just as great as the first one I read, the prequel to this book, Passion For The Game. You don't need to read the first one to enjoy this book. They each stand on their own. Can't wait until the next book with Simon Quinn comes out.

Colin and Amelia were young teens in Passion for the Game. Their story was a secondary one in that book but so emotional and full of angst. Now it is six years later. Amelia believes Colin had been dead all this time because he tried saving her and was shot when she was sixteen. But Colin is not dead. Feeling inadequate because he was her father's gypsy groomsman, he went away to make something of himself so he could be worthy and equal of her love. Colin has made money and has finesse and is coming back to England to regain his "soul." But before he can, he is caught up in a murder, which he is believed responsible for. Now he is on the run and can't come and take Amelia.
Amelia still holds the young gypsy boy in her heart. Even though he is dead, he will always be her one true love. But one night at a masked ball, she sees another man who sends her heart racing. He is the only one since Colin who makes her feel this way.
Of course we all know who the masked man is and between these two, the love they had for each other is more mature and oh so good! Some reader may find it a bit funny that Colin keeps wearing a mask every time he comes in contact with Amelia, because he has to keep his identity a secret. But that doesn't stop him from showing how much Amelia means to him. Colin feels if he doesn't have her, he will die and I tended to believe it myself.
The whole masked man scenario doesn't take away from this wonderful and passionate love story. Sylvia Day can sure write some hot and scorching sex scenes! And don't worry, because when Amelia finds out who her masked man is, she gives it to Colin good for lying and staying away from her.
A Passion for Him shows that Sylvia is historical romance's true shining star!

Katiebabs

Passion for the Game

Raised by an uncaring father in loneliness except for her friend the gypsy stable boy Colin, six years ago, Amelia Benbridge life turned upside down when her odious father was proven to be a criminal and her beloved Colin died saving her life. The only good to come out of that tragic period was Amelia was reunited with her long lost assumed dead sister Marie and her brother-in-law, a pirate, Christopher St. John (see A PASSION FOR THE GAME for their love story).

Now in 1780 Amelia is expected to marry the kindhearted Lord Ware, but her heart remains with Colin. However, to her shock at a gala she finds herself attracted to a white masked man who seems to only stare at her regardless of where she is in the ballroom. When they meet he remains secretive, but steals a kiss, which ignites her long ebbed passion as she tingles like she did when Colin kissed her. What she does not know is who the masked man is as Colin survived the incident and has since become a spy who still dreams of being forever with his Amelia. He also knows that is not possible as he remains beneath her so he rationalizes to himself that he stays near her to protect her from an enemy who has a score to settle with the Benbridge family, but cannot stop himself from kissing her and more.

This is a terrific Georgian romance starring an interesting woman who has known much tragedy and loneliness in her life and the man who she loved with all her soul. Colin is a hero as he risked his life for her once before and willingly places himself in danger and risks his undercover espionage mission to keep his beloved safe. Readers will have a passion for Sylvia Day's fine historicals.

Harriet Klausner

This was naughty and entertaining and a big disappointment only because it had to end! I love this series by SD--I hope she keeps them coming....

I finished this book yesterday, and immediately reached for it again this morning. Colin and Amelia's story is perfectly paced and often poignant. Like all of Sylvia Day's books, "A Passion For Him" includes hot and explicit love scenes that enhance the romance, rather than taking its place. At its heart, this is a character-driven romance that pulls you in, even as you wonder how these two people can have a future.

As we saw in "Passion For the Game," Colin has been in love with Amelia since he was a teen. Because of their difference in social status-- Colin is a stable boy, while Amelia is the daughter of a wealthy viscount-- Colin always felt inferior and as if he'd never be able to realize his dream of a future with the woman he loved. Amelia, however, believed that they could overcome their problems and be together. In "Passion For the Game," Amelia witnesses what she thinks is Colin's death. Colin, however, decides to take a position with Simon Quinn and earn enough money to be worthy of Amelia. Six years later, Colin is ready to see Amelia again. But Amelia is about to marry her dear friend, Lord Ware.

The first half of "A Passion For Him" is about Colin masquerading as a foreign count who Amelia immediately desires. The two have one very passionate night together, and then everything comes to a head.

The best part of this novel is that Day keeps the characters on equal footing-- no easy feat considering that during the time period women were basically considered inferior to men and that a stable boy would realistically have no future with a viscount's daughter. But both Colin and Amelia have good reasons for the decisions they have made, and when the resolution comes, it doesn't feel trite or convenient-- it suits both the characters and the time period and is very satisfying.

I loved the dialogue, especially when Colin and Amelia have their intense discussions towards the end of the novel. I also loved the introduction of new characters-- is Lysette for Simon, I wonder?-- and the way the suspense never got in the way of the character development.

I LOVED this book!! I have been furiously trying to catch up since I've discovered Sylvia Day and this one did not dissappoint. The chemistry between Amelia and Montoya/Colin was HOT! This is a great "series" that can still stand on its own. I cannot wait to read Simon's story! I wonder if Ware will get his own, I felt SO sorry for him!