Member Reviews
Oh my gosh, I don’t know why I waited so long to read this book, but I am kicking myself! I needed this book to pull me out of a slump; not a bad one but just haven’t had a five star in a while. Lucien and Eva are my new favorite couple! Their story tore at my heartstrings and the angst they both felt at their manipulation was felt on every page. Lucien was wronged but he was also humble enough to acknowledge that he wronged Eva more. I wanted to get mad at the ‘miscommunication’ trope, but it truly wasn’t their fault. They were played in the worst way and until they were haphazardly reunited years later, there was nothing for it. They had a hard fought HEA and I was so thrilled to watch it unfold!
Historical romances are my jam. They are good and bring a bit of romance and loved it. this one was a good one. so good.
Second chance at love, one of my favorite tropes. It was also nice to see the story set in another country other than England. The time in France and grape making made for a unique and wonderful story.
Eva and Lucien have had an interesting past together and when they reunite unexpectedly at his home in France, they are both surprised to see the other. Of course, it’s not the most happiest of occasions and when past and present collide, tough decisions need to be made. Will their past prevent them from being together or will love overcome? I highly recommend this to others. Even though it’s part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. You won’t be able to put it down..
Second-Chance, Historical Romance with Intrigue
Treachery brings them together, and deceit tears them apart. Four years later, they meet again by accident. Can they have their second chance? When Lucien abandoned Eva four years ago, he did not wait for explanations. He let the villain win. As he gets to know Eva and finds out the truth, will he want to stay? Will she want to give him another chance? This story pulled me in from the very first page. It is full of secrets, intrigue, and of course, romance. Eva and Lucien will pull at your heartstrings. What brought them together, and what ripped them apart? Who is the villain, and why did his evil bring such havoc to these two souls? Could love win against treachery? I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who enjoy historical romance with mystery and intrigue.
A Masterpiece. This is probably my favorite book of the year! A marquis who inherited a vineyard and a young Spanish/Jewish girl, the pawn in an evildoer’s plan, who rises above the ashes to become a legendary Modiste. Four years after their initial relationship, these two soulmates are reunited and begin to unravel all that had torn them apart through the past years. An incredibly beautiful love story, exquisitely expressed through the genius pen of the writer. I experienced every high and every low that this couple shared.
An incredible emotional story of second chances and redemption, when the past, that has never been forgotten or forgiven, comes back to life.
Sofie weaves a story, with her magical pen, of love at first sight, then betrayal... Of what each thought was unforgivable.
Now four years later they are reunited again, both having risen up, he now titled and she a successful modiste, and they must settle what was started long ago.
Wow is all I can say! I adore this author's writing and she always leaves me with a smile and a sigh as I turn the last page!
He is the Marquis de Touraine. He has a prize vineyard and a highly successful winemaking business. She is a famous London modiste. What do they have in common? Well, they are married, or at least she says they are. He believes she is lying and trying to trick him, just as he believes she did four years ago. He is being pressured to marry. He wants proof one way or the other, and they must work together to find it. Will they succeed? It is obvious they still care for each other, but there is still a lot of pain, misunderstanding, and anger from the past, and there are explanations to be made and secrets, including one adorable three-year-old one, to be revealed. This is a wonderful second chance story, but for Eva and Lucien to have that second chance, there must be some understanding and forgiveness for the past. If they can accomplish this, they will be a marvelous couple with a wonderful happy ending. An emotional story with strong characters, one I happily recommend.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
Love, Love, Love this series & I was fully invested in this book after the first few pages. It was well-written with genuinely touching scenes and an engaging couple, which gave me a rewarding, romantic read that left me feeling happy plus I adored Ariel.
After meeting four years ago, Lucien & Eva, instantly fell in love, ran to Gretna Green, and had a wonderful wedding night filled with passion but the next day their world crashed down as he discovers Eva's deceit and how much it could damage his life & Eva is left to fight & claw her way back.
Four years later, Lucien Capet is now Marquis de Touraine and will be announcing his betrothal at his house party., Attending with his future fiancé is Spanish émigré Eva Galante, London’s most sought-after modiste, who is dressing her best client, the marquess' future bride - if he is still not married to Eva. The trip, Lucien & Eva to Scotland to prove the existence of the marriage is consumed with memories, past and present feelings of passion - can they have one last night together? I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
One Night His Lady was a super enjoyable read that unfolds across England, Scotland, and France. The diversity of geographic location and national origin was a really striking and enjoyable part of this novel for me—the first I had read by Sofie Darling. The heroine, Eva, is of Spanish and Jewish ancestry, and the hero, Lucian, is a French marquis who runs a vineyard on his post-Revolution estate. I really appreciated the influx of politics and national issues from a variety of European countries; it made the world of this series feel very rich and real.
And the connection between Lucian and Eva was scorching! It had a lot of yearning, which I love, and the story is also told in time slip, so the story of their past is interspersed throughout their present-day interactions. Their story is definitely very complex (and includes the secret baby trope, which I enjoyed!) and I am definitely a sucker for an intense, irresistible attraction in the midst of a very complicated situation, so I was sold from the beginning. I will be honest that, jumping in later in the series, I was at times confused about aspects of Eva's backstory, but not to the point where it was really an issue. I was convinced of the intensity of their attraction for one another and I LOVED how Lucian was a virgin hero (at least when he and Eva first meet, before they have sex, pre-time slip—but I’m counting it). He might actually (shockingly) be the first virgin hero I have ever read. I always knew I would be trash for a virgin hero and this book confirmed my suspicion. Lucian was delectable and I really liked that he had only been with her—it drove home how much he felt their connection was special and it made their eventual sexual reconnection that much hotter.
I also commend Darling for giving us a full sex scene at 37% and another at 52%—and using the “only one bed” trope twice. Amazing. Additionally, I really liked the queer secondary romance where the characters got their own HEA—that was very satisfying.
If you enjoy steamy Regency-era romance and want to try one that goes outside the typical London/England environment, and has a delicious hero and a strong, independent, dress-making heroine, then I recommend One Night His Lady.
Thank you to Oliver-Heber Books for providing me with an ARC!
What a story! Intrigue, drama and most importantly love. Eva & Lucien had a whirlwind romance that was tragically cut short through deception and lies. In the 4 years since both are wounded parties holding plenty of anger and resentment. So when Eva inadvertently finds herself accompanying a client to the Marquis French Vineyards to design his future wife’s wardrobe, she has no idea the Marquis is indeed the man she once loved. When he finds her there and learns they may indeed be married, he has no choice but to journey with her to Scotland to find the proof of their Gretna wedding to end their farce marriage. Their passions run deep and they fight to resist the temptations that the past brings. Their journey to rediscover their love and gain the trust they lacked in the past may just help heal the old wounds that threaten to destroy them. In the end, they will need to forgive themselves for the wrongs they each did to one another.
The passion between these two leaps off the page, they are electric. Had me hooked from the start and I could not put it down.
They met, they married and then it all fell apart, in about a week. It’s been four years since Lucien and Eva last saw each other – the morning after their wedding night – when they unexpectedly run into each. They are each marked by their short romance and what has happened in the time since. They are forced to work together to prevent their shared past from affecting their futures.
I absolutely love Eva and Lucien as individual characters and as a couple. Their love story – it’s something special. Their banter was fun and at times made me laugh. I loved how Eva overcame her past and that Lucien accepted all of who she was, even when she couldn’t. I am a huge fan of the healing power of love, characters accepting themselves warts and all and a character finding an inner strength they didn’t know they had. This book had each of these in spades and they were dealt with beautifully.
My only critics would be that at times the story felt like it was dragging – because the main characters weren’t revealing things to each other (not my favourite trope) and because a couple of situations were too simply (in my opinion) dealt with/overcome.
What I love/enjoy about this book, far outweighs the few things I didn’t like/enjoy and didn’t take away from the pleasure I got out of reading Eva and Lucien’s story.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
In the face of heartache and suffering, a beautiful story of a love that would not die emerges and touches the heart. Despite having been badly used by an evil manipulator, Eva Galante has risen from the ashes and created her own empire, putting her name on some of the most wonderful fashion designs. However, coming face to face with the man she never thought she would see again, turns her life upside down. Lucien, Marquis de Touraine is equally flabbergasted meeting with Eva once more, the woman that betrayed him and destroyed his hope of love. Circumstances are such that they are forced to collaborate to discover the truth about their marriage, making them realize that the master puppeteer is still pulling the strings. This novel is fraught with heartache and pain, but eventually, truth and love do triumph, bringing the novel to a delightfully romantic conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
This was such a well-written story full of intrigue and emotion. It captured my interest from the very start and kept me engrossed tiil the end. Eva and Lucien had a difficult and challenging journey. What started out as a whirlwind romance got tragically sidetracked by a manipulative and controlling man, before ultimately ending in triumph. Deceit caused Eva an Lucien to go their separate ways after only one night of marriage. Lucien abandons her, and Eva suffers greatly being left all alone. Four years later when they meet again each is harboring their own pain, anger, and resentment, not realizing that the evil Montfort had orchestrated that night was the reason they were now apart. This story will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions as Lucien and Eva deal with the manipulations of one vindictive man. A passionate story that kept me turning the pages anxious to find out what happens next. This was a first for me by this author, but after reading this I will definitely be going back to read the prior books in the series!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This is the story of Lucien and Eva, who met by chance (or was it) and fell in love at first sight. They immediately get married, and the next day after their marriage, it falls apart. Eva is not who Lucien believes she is, and they separate. Four years later Eva is a famous dress maker and Lucien is now a Marquess wanting to get married. But are Lucien and Eva still married? They have to travel together to find out the truth. On their trip they have a second chance of love. I will tell you there was parts of this book which was so heartbreaking for me when I read them, I was filled with tears. Of course, at the end I was happy. I loved how the author told the story by flashbacks and the present.
I received an ARC of this book by Netgalley and am leaving my honest review.
Unfinished business. Four years ago Eva and Lucien were both betrayed. When they meet again in France, Eva is shocked at his identity and angry at his deception. He is angry that she betrayed him. Anger on anger, but the fire between them has never died. When Eva returns to London, Lucien follows for his winery business and answers from four years ago. A demon stills holds power over them, but only if they let him. This time will be different, unless Eva's secrets tear them apart.
Blackmail, attempted assassination, a marriage registry and a powerful love. Constantly moving, it is one block in the road after another that they must overcome.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
WONDERFUL!!! One Night His Lady by Sofie Darling is book 6 in the Shadows and Silk series and I so liked this book. Though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. What I truly enjoyed about this book was all the emotion that Sofie put into this book. I could actually feel what Lucien and Eva were going through. Their romance was one that their minds tried to control yet their hearts were telling them something different. This second chance at love was original, gave the real feel of the regency era and was very well written. This story has a Spanish dressmaker with a dark past, a Marquis that is French, blackmail, not sure if their marriage is real, being paralyzed, trying to find the truth, not seeing each other in 4 years, mother’s trying to force their children to marry, a bit of a surprise ending, mistrust, making false allegations, a very cute 3 yr old little boy, very successful businesses, secrets and finding love again. I am highly recommending you read this book.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Eva and Lucien’s love story is so romantic, so passionate and endearing. I love how they stay true to their character, though circumstances and life try to change them.
Ms. Darling has a fantastic talent for weaving these heartfelt stories that have you truly believing in romance, love and happily ever after for everyone.
** I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book in return for an honest review. **
What a difficult and tragic journey Eva and Lucien traveled all in the name of love. It was heartbreaking to read how one vindictive man manipulated and controlled their lives and the lives of their loved ones. It is a sad story that turns into triumph. There is love at first sight, soulmates, a proposal after only a few days, a trip to Gretna Green, a wonderful wedding night. But come morning the evil tore them apart. He believing the illusion Montfort created that Eva betrayed him in the worse way he abandons her the day after they married. Eva life spiraled down into the life of the dregs of society chasing the dragon and still under the thumb of Montfort. This is a must read. It is impossible to explain the realistic tragic life Eva lived and survived. She became one of the premier modista in London. When after four years of clawing her way back to a respectable life she runs into Lucien. He is expected to propose to a lady. But she advises him how can he propose to another when they are married. Now he insists she is lying and they are not married. The story takes a little turn here and there, truth revealed, actions explained and the reasons behind them. Inspiring.
I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Happily Ever After
Inspirational
Page-turner
Romantic
Realistic
Steamy
Twisted
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters
This was an emotion filled story and I really enjoyed it. The best part of this book to me was the fact that the two main characters were together throughout most of the book. Eva and Lucien fell in love at first sight and headed to Gretna Green where they married. A betrayal forced them apart the next day. When they come upon each other four years later they have matured as Lucien is now a Marquis and Eva is a well-known dressmaker in London. Lucien’s mother would like him to marry. Lucien and Eva are not sure if their marriage is still valid so neither can marry until they find out. They head to Gretna Green to find the marriage papers. They realize, while on this rushed trip to find out the truth, that the deep feelings they had for each other have never changed and have only gotten deeper. Memories of their one night of loving haunt them as they travel. They have a such a passionate connection neither can deny. Before they can move forward, they need to resolve all the issues and confront the person who manipulated them and forced them apart. All was wrapped up nicely at the end and I will definitely be reading this again as I’ve added it to my all-time favorites. This is my first Sofie Darling book (where have I been) and I absolutely loved it. An awesome read. Could not put it down. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley which does not affect my review.
Second chance romance, yes please. Sofia writes stories that are complex and well written. I had to actually go back and look at my reviews for the other books in this series to remember who was who. This story is not a fluff piece but a complicated telling of the characters. I though Eva and Lucien were great characters. One thing that did bother me and it does in most stories with this as a sub-trope is the secret baby. I will never understand it even when the author gives a reason it usually is not a good enough reason for me. Discounting that this is a great book.