A Lady Awakened

Blackshear Family Series # 1

By: Cecilia Grant

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 12 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Newly widowed and desperate to protect her estate and beloved servants from her malevolent brother-in-law, Martha Russell conceives a daring plan. Or rather, a daring plan to conceive. After all, if she has an heir on the way, her future will be secured. Forsaking all she knows of propriety, Martha approaches her neighbor, a London exile with a wicked reputation, and offers a strictly business proposition: a month of illicit interludes... for a fee.

Theophilus Mirkwood ought to be insulted. Should be appalled. But how can he resist this siren in widow's weeds, whose offer is simply too outrageously tempting to decline? Determined she'll get her money's worth, Theo endeavors to awaken this shamefully neglected beauty to the pleasures of the flesh-only to find her dead set against taking any enjoyment in the scandalous bargain. Surely she can't resist him forever. But could a lady's sweet surrender open their hearts to the most unexpected arrival of all... love?

©2011 Cecilia Grant (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Tantalizingly sexy, heartwarming, and oh-so funny, this romance is unforgettable; a stunning debut." ( Library Journal)

Unpredictable Story

Susan Erickson's performance was perfect for this "adult only" story.
"A Lady Awakened" is not your usual Historical Romance, and inspires all the emotions you expect in a good book.
Cecilia Grant was unknown to me, but I look forward to hearing/reading more from this author...I like her style of writing, and Susan Erickson is a wonderful narrator.

Great Book - just buy it now!

This was a 6 out of 5 stars for me which means I want to remind myself that it's worth listening to again, a different storyline then the usual romance so that made it interesting, and it was steamy in the way that you feel and experience the attraction growing between the two main characters throught the book and just can't put it down until it runs its course.

Who knew regency undressing could sound sexy?

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, because it is a satisfying story the characters are not your usual hero and heroine.

What other book might you compare A Lady Awakened to and why?

Nothing I've ever read.

Which character – as performed by Susan Ericksen – was your favorite?

Theo Mirkwood - such a loveable rogue

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Parts were sad and parts were funny. Parts were very very hot!

Any additional comments?

Do yourself a favour and buy it

Give it a few minutes

Enjoyable listen. The narrator was a little stiff sounding at first, but as I got to know the protagonist, it became the perfect tone and rate. A good listen for historical romance fans. Not one of those ballroom books, though, so a little less predictable and a little more interesting. The changes the leads go through happen slowly enough that they are less unbelievable than some historics.

Cecilia Grant is a fantastic writer

What made the experience of listening to A Lady Awakened the most enjoyable?

The story is so well written.

What about Susan Ericksen’s performance did you like?

She has an interesting voice that is easy yo listen to and no annoying accents.

Any additional comments?

This book is even better after being read several times. The main character is a little off-putting at first, but she will really grow on you as you experience the whole story.

Very slow start

A very different read indeed. The heroine is unlike any I've read about before. This book definitely takes its time in character development, and having the relationship unfold be overall it is a good book. Just different.

Really Good Listen

This is such a funny, meaningful, passionate, and unique story. I think it's much better as an audiobook, as Susan Ericksen is flawless in her performance. I stongly recommend this book. I have already purchased the next one and will keep my eye out for Cecilia Grant. She is an amazing new author with a new perspective. I listened to this in one sitting, stayed up till 5am.

This is a fantastic book, so different than most

Where does A Lady Awakened rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

this rates at at least a 10

What did you like best about this story?

the strong female character "in charge" of her life and knows what she wants, but equally strong male character, don't get me wrong, but he falls first. Most of these regency romances are always the other way. This one is so unique, at least that I have read.

Have you listened to any of Susan Ericksen’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, she is Eve Dallas in JD Robbs In Death Series. She is super, I have heard her in others besides the In Death, by far the BEST out there. I have about 5 that I look for when I listen and Susan is one of the best.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

nothing extreme, nothing any other typical regency book gets from me, anyway.

Any additional comments?

super book, worth the money or credit, and super narration. Im already getting book 2, with the same narrator, so I know it will be good. LOL

wicked

Very wicked story for the setting of the book.
Lots of witty dialog as well. Always awesome to listen to narrative artist Susan Erickson

Unpredictable and wonderful!!

I am a longtime enjoyer of romance novels in every possible genre. I like historical romance, steamy romance, 'clean' romance, classic romance - I've read it all, and my only real criteria is that a story be well-written. I've read all the tropes and don't mind reading something "old" that's been done a thousand times before if the characters are believable.

This is NOT one of those stories! Truly, literally, I had no idea 'where are we going with this' until the very, very end. And I mean that in the best possible way. The herione is strong and fiercely independent - REALLY, not just 'claimed' to be that way by the author but really a shrinking violet. She is incredible. The hero is a fun-loving guy who wants to do the right thing - but only if it doesn't require too much work. Somehow, she teaches him to love to work - and he teaches her to love some fun - and together they make each other better and stronger without ever diminishing the other.

This is so, so, so well written that I was blown away. The narrator is one of my favorites - she narrates my favorite version of "Jane Eyre" - and so I will often buy an audiobook just if she's reading it. The combination of highly recommended and favorite narrator made this an automatic purchase for me. Excellent book, fun story, and again, I cannot emphasize the unpredictability enough. It kept me on my toes the entire time I read - and was wonderful.