Seven Nights To Forever
by Evangeline Collins
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Available: November 2, 2010
Genre: Historical Romance
She offered him one week of pleasure. No more and no less…
Some sacrifices are more difficult than others. Left destitute after her father’s death, Rose Marlowe has debts to settle and a younger brother to support. But she also possesses an unmatched beauty-one that could command quite a price…
Now, every month, Rose secretly travels from her country home to spend one week at a decadent London brothel, where she’s become a sought-after prize. Elegant and accomplished in the art of pleasure, she spends her nights fulfilling the fantasies of the gentlemen of the ton while denying the wish buried deep in her heart.
Then one night a wealthy merchant gentleman walks through her door. Handsome, kind and compassionate, with a lonely soul that matches her own, James Archer is not her usual client. Falling in love with a client, never mind a married one, is unthinkable. Yet Rose can’t help but lose herself in his arms as one night becomes seven-and seven nights lead to a chance at forever…
Reviewed by: Sophia (FV)
After her father’s death, Rose Marlowe soon realizes he has gambled away most of the family’s money leaving her and her brother deeply in debt. In order to protect her younger brother who idolized their father and to save their family home, Rose seeks a protector. Not wanting to be a mistress she leaves her first protector only to end up with another who becomes abusive. Once Rose realizes she must find another way to support her brother and repay her fathers debts she makes a decision. Once a month she works at a posh London brothel where gentlemen are willing to pay a very generous price to spend time with her. She has became so sought after that she earns enough working as a prostitute one week a month to repay her debts, maintain her country home, as well support and send her brother to University.
James Archer, a very wealthy merchant is miserable and lonely. He is in a loveless marriage arranged by his father in an effort to gain standing in high society. His wife is not happy at all about being married to James and makes no secret of it. She takes many lovers and flaunts her infidelity in his face, however she will not allow James to take a mistress, threatening to withdraw her sponsorship of his younger sister if he does. James loves his sister and wants to see her marry well so he tolerates his wife’s emotional battery since his sister will hopefully marry soon.
One night, feeling lonely and worn down by his wife’s demeaning behavior toward him, James decides to visit a brothel in search of physical comfort. He is introduced to Rose and is taken by her beauty, and lovely demeanor. Although he has paid to spend time with Rose and basically have his way with her, James finds it such a relief to just spend time with a lovely woman who seems to welcome his company and he spends the evening talking and getting to know Rose. Rose in turn finds James to be a charming gentleman but she is confused by James’ lack of interest in having sex with her.
James cannot get Rose out of his head and he returns the following night to see her. In the course of the week, Rose and James develop a lovely friendship and they eventually become lovers. Not wanting to let Rose go at the end of the week, James tries to come up with a way for them to be together. James has much to lose if his relationship with Rose is discovered and Rose does not want to become his mistress. She has many responsibilities and is determined to manage them herself.
While Rose and James lead very different lives and it seems unlikely they would find any sort of commonality with each other, they come together out of loneliness. As they begin to know each other it is revealed that they are both selflessly making a huge personal sacrifices for the well being of a younger sibling. James is not your typical romance hero. Although he puts up with his wife’s brow beating for the sake of his sister he never comes off as weak or wimpy. Instead I always got the sense that he was simply willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of his sister’s future. He is a gentleman and gives the typical alpha hero new levels to aspire to. Rose, is a strong heroine, determined to use her assets to keep what’s left of her family afloat. Not wanting her brother to face the shame of finding out their father squandered the family coffers, essentially leaving them in dire straits, she does whatever she has to do to see to it that her brother lives well and gets an education. Both James and Rose are kind and generous to those they love and they are perfect for each other as well.
One of the things I loved most about Rose and James is although they had misunderstandings, they were refreshingly honest with each other and avoided serious relationship issues with their openness. Trust was built between them slowly and they both constantly surprised me with their gentleness and kindness. They were strong characters yet very vulnerable and I found them both to be extremely likeable.
Seven Nights To Forever is a lovely story about about two very endearing people who, against the odds, fall in love and find their way to happiness together. Evangeline Collins delivers a wonderful historical romance novel that is well written, nicely paced and a pleasure to read. I look forward to more from this author.
Favorite Quote:
“Do you plan to join me, or do you plan to linger by the door all evening? I hope you aren’t expecting an offer from me to watch,” he said, all playful indignation.
A laugh burst from her throat at the unexpected comment. Her back almost propping up the door, she must look just as he had nights ago, when he had hesitated to take more than a step into her bedchamber.
“Not expecting, but if the offer’s there . . .” she trailed off, arching a suggestive brow. His eyes flared slightly, his expression momentarily blanking. Goodness, was that a blush staining his cheeks?
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Author’s Website
Purchase Links: Amazon || Book Depository
I have a copy of Seven Nights To Forever to giveaway! Leave a comment on this review to enter, open to all. (Leave a comment even if you don’t want to enter, just let me know) Giveaway is open until November 6, winner announced soon after. Good luck!
About Sophia (FV)
I agree Sophia, very likable characters and I read this one on a sunday afternoon snuggled on the couch. It was such an endearing and touching story
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This sounds like a very touching, emotional read. I have Her Ladyship's Companion to read by this author and thought I would want this one! It's confirmed now! Great review Sophia!
Thanks for the opportunity, please enter me in the contest.
littleone@shaw.ca
Sounds like a great story. Please enter me!
melvautour(at)hotmail(d0t)com
I am in, cos I just want to know how she goes from an innocent to a skilled courtesan
Leontine–If I could have gotten enough uninterrupted time, I would have read this one in one sitting as well. I really enjoyed this story.
Amy–It wasn't an overly emotional read, but I was certainly invested in the characters.
Blodeuedd–The story starts out with Rose already working as a prostitute. We don't even really know of she was truly innocent before she 'took the job'. But she is a wonderfully strong character. I think you'll like this one.
That was a great review, it sounds like you really enjoyed it. I like it when characters are well enough developed that they can be strong and vulnerable at the same time. I would love to read it.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I'd love to read this book, it looks like it will be fun to see her progress
littlebearries@yahoo.com
Debbie–This author always writes characters I love. She just knows how to build them up and make them so real.
Love the quote. Sounds like a great read
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
Sounds like a good read! Great review.
I'm going to look into this!
natashajennex(at)gmail.com
As always, great review. Sounds like a great read.
I enjoyed your review and Seven Nights to Forever sounds like a wonderful story that I'm looking forward to reading.
Barbed1951(at)aol(dot)com
She offered him one week of pleasure. No more and no less…
Oh yesss! Wanna read all about that!
Please enter me.
lucybeugelingramos@gmail.com
You got me! I need to read this now and see what happens. Very deep, emotional and raw. I shall love to win this and dive into its contents.
dorcontest at gmail dot com
Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. Sounds really good. Tore923@aol.com
I'd love to be entered, My Mom and I love historicals!! Sounds like a wonderful read!
chirth7@yahoo.com
This books sounds amazing!
Thanks so much for the chance to win this steamy read
♪♫ Ambur
ambiepie_6(at)hotmail(dot)com
Burning.x.Impossibly.x.Bright
Sounds like a very emotional read. I love this type of book!
kissinoak at frontier dot com
Wow, a prostitute as heroine in a historical? I'm not sure I've read many of them before. Interesting.
cories119[at]yahoo.com
I have this book on my wish list because I really think the idea is cute.
Thanks for having the great giveaway!
apk1princess@live.com
This book sounds fantastic! I'd like to win.
chey127 at hotmail dot com
Fabulous review, I really want to read this now but please count me in!
lilazncutie1215[at]yahoo[dot]com
Great review! I love the first quote. I've had my eye on this book and it would be awesome to win in.
romanceboookjunkiesdanielle at yahoo dot com
I love the review. Historical romances mostly deal with arranged disappoointing marriages, and both of these characters are just trying to do the best they can for their younger siblings. This looks like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway.
smccar1 at hotmail dot com
Great review, Sophia! Hmmm, I think I might have to check this out. It seems like one where I actually might not mind the infidelity thing. It seems like a very understandable situation.
Wow! This one sounds awesome. I must have it!!! Please enter me.
follow on gfc
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
This one sounds great. Please enter me. dasuzuki at yahoo dot com
Not read anything by this author before but I enjoy historicals and this is a different premise from many Regency stories.
linze_e at hotmail.com
This book sounds awesome and I'd love to read it!
niteofblu at gmail dot com
Okay…apparently this is a book I need. At least that's what the little voices tell me (also known as you and Mandi
Thanks Sophia and Nice review!
It looks like a story I would enjoy.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com
Sounds like a different story than the ususal stuff. Thanks for the review!
claudigc at msn dot com
Sounds like a wonderful book! I'm adding to my list! Thanks!
evjochum@aol.com
It seems like a hot novel to read. great book.
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my blog, bookcreak
I've read a few historicals and this book sounds amazing. I'd love to read about the heroines experience in a brothell. Please enter me
june111@att.net
I absolutely love historicals where the heroine isn't a perfect little virgin angel so this one is definitely going on my wishlist. Thanks for the review and the giveaway.
jen(at)delux(dot)com
i love historical romances and this one sounds pretty interesting. i have never read anything by this author and if i don not win this will be someone i would look for. please enter me in the contest. thanks.
I've read a number of good reviews for this book. I am always looking for new authors. Thanks.
This sounds like a awesome read!! Please enter me
acouponaddict at charter dot net
What a thoughtful review! I'm very interested in reading it now, and it sounds like a good romance to mix in with my usual paranormal and darker reads.
PolarisGreen at gmail dot com
Thanks for this giveaway !
Please Enter me !
I loved the quote you provided:)in the post
raluk.93 at gmail (dot) com
Thanks for the giveaway and another great review.
I'm all for trying something outside of the box. Please count me in.
Jen D.
jend(AT)notnowimreading(DOT)com
Great review! Sounds like a wonderful, hot romance novel. I would really enjoy reading it. Please enter me. Thanks!
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
This book sounds really good! I'm definitely going to add it to my TBR list. I'd love to enter, if you're open internationally – I'm in the UK.
Thanks for reviewing, it sounds really fun