From Publishers Weekly Starred Review. Other than a secret that takes too long to reveal, this Victorian romance from James (A Perfect Hero) concerning the troubled union of fiery Annabel McBride and tormented Simon Blackwell is just about perfect: rich, meaty, sexy and honest. Upon meeting, the two immediately set to butting heads, but it isn't long before an instant of weakness finds them in a passionate lip lock. Just like that, their fate is sealed: Anne's reputation is compromised and the two are married. Simon, haunted by unmentionable heartbreak, refuses to consummate the marriage, planning to divorce her after a year or so; Anne is horrified at the prospect and determined to make a genuine husband out of him. Simon thwarts her every attempt until his past catches up with him, and she finds the way to bring him back from self-imposed emotional exile. Simon's dark secret, hinted at throughout, may frustrate readers, but it also lends the book an enticing gothic edge. James's writing is assured, her story moves well, and she has a fine pair of leads in Anne and Simon; their hard-won happily ever after will satisfy any historical romance fan. (Apr.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Read more From Booklist Haunted by painful memories of the past, Simon Blackwell wants little to do with society and nothing to do with love. A chance encounter in the park and a split-second decision to save a boy's life bring him into the home of the grateful mother and her cousin, Lady Annabel. He can steel himself against the family's warmth, the little boy who reminds him of his own, but there's a siren's call intrinsic to Annabel's very being to which he becomes utterly lost, and found. At times the intensity spills into melodrama, but ultimately the sexual and emotional tension wins out in James' tale of the wounded and redeemed hero filled with delicious angst and quiet beauty. Nina DavisCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved Read more See all Editorial Reviews
A**R
I never get tired of reading about Simon
This book is about Simon who has lived in darkness and drink for the last 5 years, since his wife and 2 boys died in a tragic fire during a ferocious storm. Anne is a happy and outspoken lady who initially after meeting Simon to a dislike to him. Yet, in one second of passion in a garden during a birthday party have them tying the knot in moments.To me this a 5 star book. It is not your usual round of meet, marry, fight a villain, and happily ever after. There is no villain in this story. The only hindrance to finding love is Simon's difficulty in letting go of the past and starting over. Fear is the main theme here. The story is very relatable. The arguments and how they come to overcome Simon's feeling of loss is touching. The intimate scenes are tasteful and descriptive. I have this book in paperback and have read it many times throughout the years and still love it.
M**X
The Secret Passion
Simon Blackwell has endured a lifetime of tragedy and leads a solitary existence in the country. Taking a rare trip to London, Simon crosses paths with Annabel McBride. Unable to resist her allure, Simon and Annabel, 'Anne,' are found in a compromising situation.Anne finds Simon irritatingly attractive. He's rude, bossy and irresistible. Anne doesn't know about Simon's tragic past and is confused by the mixed signals he's sending her. She can sense that he wants her but he refuses to take her. Anne wants more from Simon than an in name only marriage. She wants his passion. She wants his heart. But does Simon have a heart left to give?Historical romance fans take note, do not miss this sensual first book in what promises to be a delicious new Samantha James trilogy. The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.I must admit that I now have a secret passion FOR Simon Blackwell. A man that loves with his whole heart just rings my bell. Simon's love for Anne and hers for him was just heart warming.The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell is not to be missed!Annmarie reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
N**T
New Copy - Long Time Favorite
This is one of my favorite books from Samantha James. I purchased a new copy because my old one was literally falling apart.
J**3
Wonderful story!
Wonderful book! One of my favorite authors!
K**R
Beautifully and skillfully written!!!!
I couldn't put it down!!!! A tale so mesmerizing that the words flowed smoothly one word following the next. The characters literally jumping off the page. Each character reacting off each other as if the story actually happened. Samantha James doesn't disappoint.
G**H
Four Stars
like this author
O**S
Five Stars
Enjoyed reading.
B**S
Deep Secrets and Heartwarming Passion
The handsome Simon Blackwell has lived for years with the emotional and physical scars of losing his wife and son in a horrific fire. He broods for years surviving in unhappiness and pain, working to push those close to him away so that he can forget, while at other times overcome with memories and how he was unable to save them. When the beautiful and vivacious Lady Annabel McBride attempts to save the son of her friend Caro from running out in the street and being run over by a horse, she meets the enraged Simon who believes Annabel to be the reckless mother of the young boy. The grateful Caro invites the handsome hero over for dinner and it there that Simon and Annabel meet once again. As the weeks go by they keep meeting at society events and sparks of what is thought to be mutual dislike and mistrust turn into flames of desire. One evening in a moonlit garden they are caught in a passionate embrace. The compromised Annabel soon finds herself walking down the aisle, beginning a marriage with Simon of desire, longing and pain. The last thing Simon wants to do is hurt Annabel, but what can there be but hurt when he announces on their wedding night that he wants a marriage of convenience with no children and will arrange for a divorce within a year? Annabel attempts to resign herself to a marriage of convenience, but it is Simon that finds it most difficult, as his true secret is the intense passion that he has for Annabel. No matter how much he tries to avoid Annabel and his desire, he cannot, and they come together for several nights of intense passion. Will Simon be able to overcome his emotional scars so that he can forget the past and give into his intense desire and love for Annabel? Will Annabel's growing love be strong enough for both of them in order to have a true, lasting marriage? The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell is an intense sexually charged story that delights while pulling at the heartstrings. Samantha James once again has written a well-developed story with characters that struggle with life's disappointments and find true love and happiness.
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