Breathless: House of Rohan Series, Book 3

I read several bad reviews of this story (in other places) and I almost did not purchase this book. However, I really enjoyed the first two books in the series so I felt in my gut that this book couldn't be that far off the mark. I'm so glad I went with my instincts and purchased the book. None of the characters in this series are the run-of-the-mill "near perfect" people you ordinarily find in romance novels, which makes them all the more fascinating! While the male lead of this story was a particularly "disturbed" character, the female lead was more than a match for him! And while many objected that he did not repent enough in the end, it was obvious to me that she brought him to his knees on a much deeper level that I found extremely gratifying.

If you want mainstream romance with soap opera beautiful characters, you won't find it here. If you want characters that are realistically flawed, edgy and sometimes dangerous, visit the House of Rohan, from the beginning story if possible. I hope there is more to come in this series.

I really like this series. The heros(?) start off so bad that, although I know they are going to eventually redeem themselves, It's interesting to see how the author connects the dots to get them there. Also, the heroines aren't the usual cookie cutter women - these women aren't drop dead beautiful and they have some very realistic, gritty problems. I hope the author writes more in this series - they are never boring.

If you haven't read this book yet, I'm jealous. You are in for such an excellent time. Anne Stuart has a gift for placing her heros dangerously close to the evil edge and this one totters thrillingly near the brink. The heroine's 'courage' is delightfully fresh and remarkably believable and the chemistry between the two is scrumptious.
Enjoy!

This is not along similar story lines to the first two. I always liked that Anne Stuart gave readers a taste of passion before the HEA.

This book takes too long, and the strained relations of the couple are frustrating. Im torn. I know I was hoping for something more like the others.

I just realized that plain Jane is the daughter of the Vicar and Charlotte's Cousin from the last book. How random that they would have a fat daughter! Maybe I misunderstood.

Anyway, this is just not for me. I hate giving this 3 stars. I'd feel better if I could give it 3.5.

The results of a vendetta by the Scorpion on the innocent sister of his enemy was unforgivable. The cruelty, the total lack of consideration for human life or regard for others is unexceptable, but the story kept me wanting to see how it all played out. It takes a truly talented author to keep their reader riveted to a story with such distasteful content.

I wasn't sure this would be my cup of tea but it was on sale so I gave it a shot. Can't go wrong for $4.95... after listening to it I am going to listen to the rest of the series. Very smart audible! I loved the characters from the begining. At first I wasn't sure of the narrator but realized that she does an excellent job as the book went along. The story at first was a little bit weird at first but if you can get passed the intro this is a great book and I recommend for anyone looking for something not on the beaten path.

Anne Stuart is a skillful author, but the plot was horrible.

SPOILER ALERT: The story was unbelievable. The villain/protagonist coerces Miranda Rohan into remaining with him by threatening to kill Miranda's brother and states that he is motivated by vengeance. The basis of this vengeance? Lucien's insane half sister kills herself because of a slight from one of Miranda's brothers. Lucien commissions another man to destroy Miranda's reputation by abducting and raping her and then proceeds to rape her himself at a later point in the book. Disappointingly, Stuart describes the rape as "not rape" since Miranda didn't resist since she knew she would not be able to win and would be overpowered. After another betrayal, Lucien shows scars to Miranda, and Miranda cries and forgives everything. Lucien never earned trust or respect... never works to earn love.

Ericksen sounds like a very mature narrator... maybe in her mid to late 40s or 50s... not that of a woman in her 20s.

Disappointment.

Definitely. Narrator was awesome.

Miranda

Excellent in every way

Yes

If you're the type that expects a knight in shining armor hero this is not for you. But for those of us that like a very dark hero, or every now and then wish the villian and heroine would fall in love, this book is perfect. It's a roller coaster ride, that will have you laughing your head off, chearing Miranda on, crying for her, hating Lucien, then loving him, and throughout wanting to shake some sense into them both. At some points I hit rock bottom thinking there is no way this is going to turn out well b/c Lucien is truly a creep, but in the end, wow. Anne Stuart nailed it. Loved Reckless but Breathless is something else entirely! (Oh and the narrator made it that much better!)

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I absolutely loved it. I cant wait to read the rest of the books and would highly recommend this book to anyone.

I don't know... Maybe it was my mood, but I really think I just did not care as much about being seduced by this male protagonist. Anne Stuart has been incredibly artful about developing previous characters, and took me right along with the heroine. This time, it just seemed a little too dark -- without the compensatory elation! Still a great narrator. I'll also allow that, sometimes, when I listen to a book again, I like it better. That may be the case with this one -- as I LOVED the first two!