Member Reviews
From the first page to the last Pleasures of the Night will keep your attention from the moment you begin the journey with Eugenia and Thaddeus until the very end. Heather Boyd has written a story that's filled with characters that weave a story that will hold you spellbound as their individual personalities become more than just part of the tale they come off the pages and pull you in, steamy passion, wonderful back and forth witty banter, secrets, and with a plot that leaves you looking forward to the next in the series.
This was a decent book. The story centers around two characters that start an affair for both of their pleasure. Neither expected it to turn into something but alas is does. The characters had a lot of steamy connection in the bedroom but otherwise I didn't feel the spark outside of it.
I enjoyed this book more than I was expecting. As it was my first read by the author, didn’t quite know what I will find between the pages of her book. And I was pleasantly surprised by this story.
A love triangle is not always a favourite but I loved the trilling plot behind all these suspenseful scenes when her husband came back from the dead. That definitely made for a greater read.
There was a lot of chemistry and intriguing banter to make me want to read more by the author in the future
Very grateful for my review copy
He’s an heir to a dukedom. She’s a spinster with a secret.
Thaddeus ‘Teddy’ Berringer is one of many men who have a long wait until they inherit their birthright, but Teddy isn’t wanting it anytime soon. However, that doesn’t stop the Duke of Exeter from encouraging Teddy to find a bride and settle down, something that Teddy also is not in a hurry to do.
Eugenia Hillcrest is in her mid-twenties, which makes her a spinster and wallflower in the eyes of society. Eugenia has no real care of what society thinks. Beneath the heavy mantle of social convention lies a sensual wildflower who is not afraid to ask for what she wants.
When Teddy finally speaks to Eugenia at a ball thrown by her younger sister and marquess-to-be, Sophia, he becomes intrigued with the eldest Hillcrest. That only grows as Eugenia puts forth an indecent proposal that Teddy is all too willing to accept.
As the lovers grow more fond of one another, Eugenia knows that she will eventually have to let Teddy go. She has no desire to bed and wed him, even as she begins to give him pieces of her heart without realizing it. What she doesn’t expect is to almost lose him to a husband of her own! As secrets are brought to light, Eugenia and Teddy must come to terms with the worst case scenario, which also may mean losing what they didn’t even know they wanted most.
This was a good one. It was very sensual with well-described love scenes that would make even the most seasoned of HR readers a little hot under the collar. There were definitely a few things I would have liked to see more of, like when Teddy bought Eugenia a particular gift that would have added the perfect kink to round out the erotic aspects of this book. I’m not sure why she stopped before that part, but it was still great with a lot of hot scenes and heart-bursting romance. That’s what we all ask for in a good HR, right?
Overall, the plot was very strong, the auxiliary characters were well fleshed out, and the story was the perfect wallflower and scandal trope. I absolutely loved the characters and I am so excited for the next book in this series because they all deserve a story of their own! I may even go back and read the first 15 books of the Distinguished Rogues series!
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for this review.
Pleasures of the Night by Heather Boyd
Distinguished Rogues #16
Delightful escape…took me away from the woes of the world as I immersed myself in the story of Eugenia and Teddy…big smiles and warm happy feelings as I remember the story again!
What I liked:
* The openness of the women that were Eugenia’s family and friends
* Eugenia’s backstory and how it played into her current situation
* The way Eugenia stated what she wanted and managed to intrigue Teddy
* Eugenia’s determination, intuition, intrepid pursuit of truth, and lusty nature
* Teddy’s hidden side that proved to be a whole lot more interesting than many thought it would be.
* Teddy’s ability to please a woman
* The way Teddy listened and then took action with Eugenia and with the wall/wild flowers
* The interactions between Eugenia and Teddy
* The way the impostor was eventually exposed
* The gifts that Teddy gave to Eugenia
* Wondering who will come next in the series
* Not having to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this one
What I didn’t like:
* The impostor’s actions…but then I was meant NOT to like them.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing Co-op for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Thaddeus Berringer has reconciled himself to a future of great riches, but also unceasing responsibility as the Duke of Exeter’s only heir. He’s in no hurry to be leg-shackled, despite his cousin’s urging. But he’s keenly interested in bed sport with a certain spinster who’s proven more wanton than wallflower. When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Heather Boyd is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.
2.5 stars
Pleasures of the Night is an oddly paced book, and its strange rhythms made it a hard one to really like. The dialog and character development is almost uncomfortably staid, yet the intimate scenes bordered on erotica. As such, I wouldn't really know to whom I should recommend it.
Part of a lengthy series (this one is number 16), it doesn't entirely stand alone, though it's the first one that I read, and I was able to follow it just fine. It's not that the stories intertwine, but there are secondary relationships that would have been easier to appreciate, I think, had I read the other books.
Eugenia presents herself as a spinster, though she is actually a widow whose husband passed away four years ago after one night of marriage. The way the story is written would make it seem like a lot longer, though I guess I'm looking at the time through the lens of a much older person, rather than Eugenia's 27. Anyway, she embarks on an affair--not her first--with Thaddeus (unfortunately, "Teddy" to his friends), the heir to a dukedom. Both claim just to want sexy times and no commitment, and they definitely indulge. To me, though, their joinings seem more seedy than beautiful, and I suspect that feeling comes in part from Teddy's immaturity (but not innocence) in the bedroom.
The tiniest bit of conflict in the story comes when someone claiming to be Eugenia's husband arrives in her doorstep, seemingly back from the grave. How she can't know for sure after a scant four years is somewhat disturbing, even if the courtship was a brief one. Anyway, Thaddeus is at least more mature out of the bedroom (if not entirely bright... The Sophie Darling subplot was really bizarre), and he helps Eugenia figure out the dead bridegroom mess. So he gets a few points there.
I don't like to write negative reviews, and this book--in spite of what I didn't like--is very readable. It just wasn't to my taste.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
From the cover and the title, I had expected that Pleasures of the Night by Heather Boyd would be something of a darker romance, so I was a little surprised to find that this was actually quite a sweet, sexy romance instead.
Eugenia Hillcrest and Thaddeus Berringer are both marriage -shy, independent people who decide to enter into a friends-with-benefits, mutually convenient affair with no expectations. Just as their relationship and feelings are starting to become more complicated, both of their worlds are rocked by a shocking ghost from Eugenia's past.
I'll be honest and say I wasn't immediately grabbed by Pleasures of the Night during the first few chapters. I was intrigued by how different it is to other historical romances I've read - I don't think I've ever read a historical romance with a friends-with-benefits situation, where the heroine is also unmarried.
I really thought the story picked up after the mid-point plot twist, after which I was really interested to find out what would happen in the rest of the story. The plot twist is mentioned in the blurb of the book, but I won't go into details in case you haven't read it (or look me, have completely forgotten it by the time you read the book.)
The attitudes of the main characters, Eugenia, Thaddeus and her friends, was very different to most that I have seen in historical romance. They all have very liberal, modern view points and it made for a very different style of historical romance novel.
Apparently, Pleasures of the Night is Book 16 in The Distinguished Rogues series, but having not read any of the previous books in the series, I can confidently say that you can read this book as a standalone, without having read any of the other connected books.
Pleasures of the Night by Heather Boyd
‘“I would never take something that didn’t belong to me,” he assured her, adding the key to his pocket. He slid his hand down to her rear and squeezed. “How is it I’m so lucky I get to touch you?”
“It’s my choice to let you, not luck,” she whispered, reminding him she was with him of her own free will with no expectations whatsoever.’
I really wanted to love this story. Heather Boyd is one of my favourite historical romance writers so I really, truly wanted to fall in love with her characters as much as I have with her previous stories. All the key elements were there to make this a gloriously passionate historical romance but for me it all just felt rather tepid. The plot was interesting in that our heroine was a confirmed spinster who had no qualms about choosing a man to enjoy for a wee while, without the expectations of marriage, which given the era was a rather refreshing take on the regency love story. I’ve been raised on a diet of shy wallflowers and quirky heiresses that this notion of a spinster taking a lover amongst the ton was fantastically intriguing. However it wasn’t as thrilling as it could have been and even sitting here now, writing this review, I can’t pinpoint exactly why it didn’t work.
Our heroine was nice enough, as was our hero but I feel they lacked chemistry. There was no real spark between them, no scintillating flirtation, no buildup in the tension, it was simply a meeting of minds, a will to explore each other's bodies and little else, until after and that’s when the connection really cemented. The intimate scenes were wonderful. Not overly explicit, just a wonderfully detailed, spectacularly choreographed dance.
There was a slight mystery/suspense note in Pleasures of The Night, a little drama infused between the romantic moments. It did add more spice to the overall plot. I didn’t love the book but I did like it, even with the lack of heat and passion. It was still a lovely little romance tale, it just felt like our protagonists were of middle age, rather than in their twenties or thirties. They were rather sedate and level-headed. I needed a bit more excitement and conflict to make the happy ever after worth the wait.
I found it hard to like this book. It was hard to get an idea of what Teddy was supposed to be like because he was portrayed as naïve in some things but strong in others, and the two views didn’t seem to fit well together. I felt like the author couldn’t decide on what type of personality he should have. On the other hand, Eugenia was a strong character, but I didn’t think she fit well with Teddy, either. They both seemed a little too immature to even think about having a relationship, and as time passed, I didn’t get the feeling that this changed.
Thaddeus Berringer and Eugenia Hillcrest become lovers. Meeting in secret they've been able to keep.it secret. A passionate fulfilling relationship develops with neither one looking for marriage. Thaddeus is shocked when a stranger demands the return of his wife. Eugenia. Yes, she was briefly married, but her husband died. It was her secret to keep. This man is not her husband, but he has documents to prove he is. Thaddeus is willing to help the woman he loves find the truth. This book takes off and doesn't stop until the page says The End.
Explicit steamy sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Admittedly, I have not yet read all of the books in The Distinguished Rogues series, but I have thoroughly enjoyed all the ones I have, and that includes this one as well. If you haven't read any of the others, not to fear, it can be read as a standalone. This b6ook brings us the story of Eugenia and Thaddeus, who are involved in a secret affair, neither with any designs to marry. Until one day when Thaddeus realizes he might just enjoy spending the rest of his days with her, until Eugenia's husband, seems to reappear back in her life after having been thought dead. This twist in the plot definitely had me turning the pages to find out how it all ends. Both characters were well-developed and I enjoyed their dialogue and interactions. The story flowed well and kept my interest all the way through. An enjoyable and entertaining read, and I look forward to reading the next installment.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I really enjoy getting comfy and settling down with a Heather Boyd book and this one didn’t disappoint. A bit slow to start but soon gets going.
Teddy and Eugenia’s story is lovely, with a twist of intrigue, when her dead husband reappears, or does he ? I loved how Lord Wharton and Teddy trusted in her instincts and helped her get rid of the imposter. Well worth the read.
I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine
If you loved Bridgerton - this is right up your street!
A bit of a slow starter for me, however, once it gets going - wow !!!
Great premise, loved the twists in plot
I'd not read this author before but I will certainly be looking out for more
A great read
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thaddeus and Eugenia have a tumultuous love affair. That is until an unexpected complication shows up on Eugenia’s doorstep that threatens to ruin everything she and Thaddeus have. There were several elements to this book that I would have preferred to be handled differently. Thaddeus and Eugenia embark on a tryst that is purely physical. I enjoy an emotional connection with the physical aspect. It makes me more invested in the couple. The romantic connection does not occur until deeply into the novel. It wasn’t easy to keep up with the many secondary characters. At times it became overwhelming. Too many characters congested the plot. I like a complete, satisfying happy ending. The ending of the book left me underwhelmed. However, the epilogue helped bring a full sense of closure. I would have enjoyed a little more information regarding the couple’s future.
On the other side, the couple’s physical connection built gradually, and the relationship was undeniable. Both Thaddeus and Eugenia were well-developed characters. Both came from a genuine place. I could tell that a lot of time and care went into the creation of these characters. Although slow at the beginning, the plot gained momentum and energy halfway through. At this point, the story became much more engaging. I was invested in the characters and outcome. The plot was well thought out and intricate. The couple’s journey was fascinating and flowed well. The author brought a different take on the typical romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love a good story that turns the repressed and uptight rules of Regency society on its ear by featuring characters who aren’t afraid to live outside the box, on their own terms and Ms. Boyd’s latest entry in the Distinguished Rogues series, Pleasures of the Night, is a fine example of that.
Eugenia and Thaddeus are of equal minds when it comes to forming a relationship. Neither is interested in marriage; they just want to have a bit of fun and frolic beneath the sheets. But with an unusual passion like theirs, developing deeper feelings is inevitable and just when they begin to realize their relationship could possibly be more, a ghost from Eugenia’s past comes knocking on the door.
I simply adored how Thaddeus stepped up immediately, instead of blowing up before coming to his senses, like usually tends to happen in other stories when similar issues arise. Even knowing that their efforts to fix the problem could easily backfire, destroying any hope for a future together, he doesn’t hesitate to jump in with both feet when it comes to helping the woman he loves.
These two are equal parts sweet and wicked, which always combine to make a story that is too intriguing to put down until the very end.
Pleasures of the Night, is admittedly my introduction to this particular series of Ms. Boyd’s but the previous titles are already heading for my TBR list now that I know what I have been missing!
I love Teddy and Eugenia's story. They are both strong, determined chatacters. I won't write a spoiler. I will tell you that the story is well written, emotional, fast paced. I enjoyed every page.
This book is perfect for fans of the Bridgerton series! It has all the drama of society, the Ton, and much more scandalous! The book did take a slow start, I wanted it to speed up just that little bit, but once it did, it's addictive! And just when you wonder how the book is going to change, what sort of plot is going to appear, a twist occurs and you just don't want to put the book down, needing to know how it ends!
This was my first book for the roguish rogues series by Heather Boyd but it certainly won't be the last! Boyd has a compelling way of telling a story, and creates real page-turner books! There were so many characters in the book that I just wanted to see how their own story would end, which is always the telling of a good author for me, when you care about the side characters, just the same as the main characters!
This is part of a series, and I did feel like I should have read the prior one to really get to know the characters.
Eugenia Hillcrest lives with her cousin, the newly engaged Silvia, and Aurora. However, Silvia falls in love with the Marquess of Wharton in a prior book, and he moves her whole family in with them.
Eugenia and Aurora are passionate wallflowers and spinsters. Eugenia usually takes a lover each season but is not comfortable doing so while under Wharton's house. However, she meets Mr. Thaddeus Berringer, heir to the Duke of Exeter (also from a prior book). Thaddeus is sick of dodging the debutantes of society who only want him because he is an heir and is bored with ton life. He meets Eugenia, and they embark on an affair.
It comes out that Eugenia has been married when an imposter comes to town claiming to be her long-lost husband. Thaddeus and Eugenia have to rush to figure this out so they can be together.
I loved that the women were sexually active and mature. They were also into a lot of non-vanilla bed sport, so that was interesting. I also thought it was fascinating that legally the imposter could have claimed his husbandly rights anytime on Eugenia. I am not sure if legally that is historically accurate, but just its idea and the insinuation were terrifying.
I also loved how everything eventually wrapped up. However, the book had a slow start, and I was confused as to who the main characters were initially. I have read a couple of books in this series but not in order, and here I felt like I should have read the other two books, Wharton and Exeter, that were referenced.
Overall, it picks up and finishes better than it started.
Eugenia’s husband drowns after one night of marriage, so she fails to mention it to her friends and family. Not planning to remarry, she embarks on an no strings attached affair with Thaddeus. They fall in love, only to find her husband may not have died after all. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Victory Editing for my honest review.