Improper Relations

By: Juliana Ross

Narrated by: Victoria McGloven

Length: 2 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

Dorset, 1858: When Hannah's caught watching her late husband's cousin debauch the maid in the library, she's mortified - but also intrigued. An unpaid companion to his aunt, she's used to being ignored.

The black sheep of the family, Leo has nothing but his good looks and noble birth to recommend him. Hannah ought to be appalled at what she's witnessed, but there's something about Leo that draws her to him.

When Leo claims he can prove that women can feel desire as passionately as men, Hannah is incredulous. Her own experiences have been uninspiring. Yet she can't bring herself to refuse his audacious proposal when he offers to tutor her in the art of lovemaking.

As the tantalizing, wicked lessons continue, she begins to fear she's losing not just her inhibitions, but her heart as well. The poorest of relations, she has nothing to offer Leo but herself. Will it be enough when their erotic education ends?

©2012 Juliana Ross (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

What a little gem...

Sweet, short uncomplicated story well written and beautifully narrated. Will look for more from this author...

Improper Relations

Any additional comments?

A hot little love story well told by narrator.Victoria McGloven. 3 stars :)

Pretty good start to the series :D

3.5-4 stars

This was a pretty good story. Hannah was a really good heroine and I liked Leo as well but wished we could have seen some of his PoV at times. This is the first book by this author that I've read but I liked it and am willing to try more of her work in the future.

Hannah is a widow and poor so she had to become a companion to her aunt (by marriage) who is titled and very full of herself. Hannah didn't love her husband but tried to be a good wife to him. When he died and left Hannah without means to take care of herself, she was revealed not have to go to the work houses but has little happiness, living a rather dreary life. She never expects a chance encounter to change her whole life.

Leo is the second son of a titled Lord. He got in to some trouble when he was younger and now has been labelled as a lazy, partying second son that does nothing but provide embarrassment to his family. Never mind that he hasn't been that way for years and actually has a brain. His parents have recently decided that it's time for him to get married and "ally" another titled family or at least someone with a big dowry through his marriage. Leo isn't willing to get in to a marriage of convenience but his parents don't really listen to what Leo says.

The story begins with Hannah in the library mending and Leo and a maid coming in to the library for an afternoon dalliance. Hannah knows she should make a noise so they know she's there and leave but she instead stays quiet and watches. Afterwards she's surprised to find that Leo knew she was there and let her watch. Leo offers to shows her the pleasures of the flesh but Hannah never felt anything but pain with her husband and isn't sure. Leo convinces Hannah to let him show her pleasure. He shows her a bit and then asks to meet again later for more. Hannah knows she shouldn't but is sucked in by the pleasure and the realization of how empty her life is. She agrees and her and Leo enter in to their own dalliance. Things continue for a few months but no mention is made of the future between them and Leo's mother is trying to push him in to a marriage (and Hannah would never be considered a suitable wife). There ends up being some major drama and Hannah & Leo are separated from each other. Hannah is very saddened by this but thinks there's no other way and she's lost Leo for good. Fortunately, Leo ins't about to be separated and takes things in to his own hands, bringing them back together and propelling them in to a sweet HEA.

This was a very enjoyable story. I liked both Hannah and Leo and while their story is not unique in it's plot, it's well written and you get a lot for as short as it is. As I mentioned, I do wish we had gotten some of Leo's PoV...you can see tenderness in some of his actions that gives an idea of where his feelings towards Hannah are but since he doesn't express them (verbally) through most of the story, I wouldn't have minded getting a glimpse in to his head. Regardless of this minor complaint I liked the story and would recommend it for anyone interested in a sweet and sexy historical romance. :D

The chemistry lacked something

Any additional comments?

The narrator was wonderful. The heroine lacked some spark that I can't put my finger on. Like she was just going through motions and not really invested in the romance. I still enjoyed the story and I think that was largely due to the wonderful narrator.

A Keeper

This story is short and not expensive. And it meets my basic needs as a romance, in the instance, a historical romance. The story was good, plausible, and with enough sizzle. There were several sex scenes. None were explicit but the language, at least the use of the f word, is used in reference to the sex act, though not repeatedly and not--in my opinion--in a vulgar way. The story was a good one and well-written but not at the level where I wanted more or couldn't wait to continue it. But I have no complaints about it.

So much better than expected

A great story. Id love to see more by this author. A short historical romance, full of passion.

Perfect

What did you love best about Improper Relations?

A very hot and beautiful awakening to passion and love

Who was your favorite character and why?

Leo. Smart enough to reel her in and determined enough not to let anything stop him from having her.

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

Damn it, I cried. I hate crying. Then I listened to the whole book again.

i loved this story

I LOVE THIS STORY! Never read one from this angle. I have listened to it 3 times now & still love it. It's a nice short read. I like the way everything is all wrapped up at the end.

Disappointing

Would you try another book from Juliana Ross and/or Victoria McGloven?

Narration and story were both quite boring. I actually skipped parts. I would certainly not try this combination again and definitely not the narration by Victoria McGloven. Her voice and/or interpretation did not appeal at all.

Couldn't even finish the book...accent too thick.

Any additional comments?

The narrator's thick english accent was so strong I couldn't finish the book.