Lover Be Mine: A Legendary Lovers Novel

By Nicole Jordan

As the wickedly seductive Wilde cousins seek true love by taking a page from history’s legendary love stories, Lord Jack Wilde plays a determined Romeo courting an enchanting Juliet.
 
The last thing Sophie Fortin expects at a masquerade ball is a dazzling kiss from a pirate. Her desire quickly falters when she learns that her masked gentleman is devilishly scandalous Lord Jack, a member of the captivating Wilde clan—and a man she’s forbidden to acknowledge. But when Jack begins a breathtaking seduction, Sophie can barely resist.
 
Jack never imagined that the daughter of his family’s mortal enemy would awaken such fierce passion within him—until one unforgettable kiss changes his mind forever. Soon, Jack is hell-bent on winning Sophie’s hand, going so far as to abduct her to save her from marrying a rival nobleman. Determined to woo Sophie and her unyielding parents, Jack is faced with the one decision he’d sworn never to make. The secret heir to a prince, Jack has spurned his royal heritage for years . . . but for Sophie he’ll risk all to turn a legacy of heartbreak into love ever after.
  
Praise for Nicole Jordan and Lover Be Mine
 
“[An] engagingly, well-plotted Regency that is worthy of the Bard and is the latest in Jordan’s ‘Wilde-ly’ entertaining Legendary Lovers series featuring the scandalous Wilde cousins.”—Library Journal

“The hero and heroine in Jordan’s latest stylishly written romance have sexual chemistry to burn, making Lover Be Mine the perfect choice for readers who crave Regency-set historicals that sizzle with sensuality.”—Booklist

“Nicole Jordan’s new fairy tale series will steal your heart.”—Cathy Maxwell

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: May 28, 2013
• ISBN: 9780345525307

Book preview

London, June 1816

Her beauty held an uncommon allure, much to his regret.

Swearing an amused oath at himself, Lord Jack Wilde surveyed his quarry from across the dimly lit garden. Despite his better judgment and his instincts for self-preservation, he’d walked headlong into the matchmaking trap laid by his female relatives. He’d planned to inspect the young lady in question and then leave without a backward glance, but Sophie Fortin had thoroughly captured his interest.

Jack let out a slow breath as he watched the captivating Miss Fortin execute the lively movements of a contra dance. There was considerably more lurking under her surface than mere beauty. She had an enchanting smile, an intensely feminine grace, and a delectable body that set all his primal male urges on full alert.

He wanted her, without question. Even worse, he was seized by a need to know much more about her.

Schooling his lustful thoughts, Jack pondered his options while recalling his cousin Skye’s ardent prediction:

Miss Fortin is not the grasping husband-hunter you seem to think her, Jack. And she certainly is no spineless ninny either—which you will discover for yourself if you ever deign to meet her. You will like her prodigiously, I swear it.

He had yet to contrive an introduction to Sophie Fortin tonight, or even approach her. Indeed, because of the long-standing feud between their families, he’d had to employ subterfuge simply to attend the masquerade ball hosted by her great-aunt.

Sneaking behind enemy lines in disguise seemed a craven way of investigating a prospective mate, Jack reflected with dark humor. Yet here he stood, garbed as a swashbuckling pirate, contemplating a path that could seriously endanger his bachelorhood.

Clearly he’d been struck by a brain fever. Or bewitched by a spell.

The current setting argued for bewitchment. The gardens of her aunt’s London residence had been converted to an open-air ballroom, faintly illuminated by colored lanterns. Undeniably, Sophie Fortin stood out among the crowd of costumed dancers like a diamond among lumps of coal.

Jack couldn’t keep his eyes off her, in no small part because she seemed a profusion of contradictions.

For her costume, she wore a glittering tiara and the gossamer, flowing gown of a royal princess, yet her grace and loveliness had little to do with her attire. Her hair was an ordinary shade of dark brown, but the lustrous, curling tendrils piled high on her head had a life all their own. A demi-mask concealed her eyes but not the delicacy of her face or the sensuality of her mouth.

Miss Fortin was just as comely as advertised, but with none of the cold remoteness he’d expected. Instead, she had life, vitality, warmth.

That, and a generous, kind smile.

He hadn’t anticipated the vibrancy, much less the kindness or warmth. From what he knew about her, he’d imagined either a submissive young miss or a calculating social climber. Why else would she allow herself to be sold to a widower more than twice her age for the price of a dukedom?

Observing her, Jack wondered how he had possibly overlooked her among this season’s insipid crop of debutantes. And why the devil did she have such a powerful effect on his senses? He’d known a number of striking beauties in his time, and bedded more than a few of them. It was rare that a woman could attract him so strongly at first glance, certainly not a green girl only a few years out of the schoolroom.

And he most definitely was not in the market for a wife of any age. But he’d agreed under duress to arrange a meeting with Miss Fortin.

For that he could only blame the tenacity of his adopted sister, Katharine, and his youngest cousin, Skye. Kate’s romantic schemes would put Napoleon Bonaparte to shame, Jack suspected. Her campaign to marry him off had begun in earnest last week, the morning after their brother Ashton’s wedding, which she had also plotted.

When Kate was younger, the family had generally indulged her idealistic machinations with raillery and good humor. But her latest flight of fancy was patently absurd. Kate theorized that the five Wilde cousins—Ashton, Quinn, Jack, Skye, and Kate herself—could find true love by emulating legendary lovers throughout history.

Beyond all expectations, Ash had recently succeeded in falling in love with his Cinderella, Miss Maura Collyer of Suffolk. Jack’s supposed legend was not a fairy tale but one of the Bard’s most famous tragedies, Romeo and Juliet—with him cast in the leading role of Romeo and Miss Fortin as his Juliet.

Have your wits gone addled, Kate? was his first reaction after a bark of laughter. You can’t honestly expect me to play the pathetic hero who dies.

He put little credence in his sister’s unshaken belief in romantic destiny. And even though he was usually ripe for a challenge, he had adamantly refused even to meet Miss Fortin.

In response, Kate and Skye had endlessly sung her praises in an effort to rouse his interest.

Sophie Fortin has beauty in abundance, Kate professed.

She is clever and kind, Skye added.

"It is not her fault that her parents are determined to land a high-ranking title for her," his sister repeated for the umpteenth time.

Jack’s scoffing amusement remained the same. The Fortin chit had to be a timid dormouse, allowing herself to be married off to an older nobleman who had already buried one wife.

There is no official betrothal yet, Skye countered. "You must act now, Jack, and rescue Miss Fortin from a loveless union before it is too late. Once she is affianced to the duke, she cannot honorably fall in love with you."

Her honor or lack of it is hardly my concern, Jack replied, unswayed.

Just say you will meet her, Kate begged.

He’d held out until two days ago, when Skye cornered him as he left his house just after dawn. He was late for a curricle race, his head aching from an overindulgence of brandy the previous evening.

Completely ignoring his professed desire to be rid of her, Skye had refused to leave until she’d wrung a promise from him to meet Miss Fortin. You know I won’t give up, Jack, she said sweetly, so you might as well surrender.

For his own peace and self-preservation, he’d yielded, knowing his female relatives would hound him relentlessly otherwise.

The masquerade had seemed the ideal opportunity to conduct his surveillance, since he could employ anonymity to contrive an encounter with Miss Fortin and judge her for himself. The unmasking was not scheduled until midnight, and by then he would be long gone.

He’d come tonight intending to prove Kate’s ludicrous theory wrong. Regrettably, however, his plan had been hurled off course by the beauty herself, particularly her lovely smile. There was a radiance about her that captivated and drew Jack in wholly against his wishes.

At least he now understood why a wealthy widowed duke could be smitten enough to consider offering matrimony to a much younger commoner with no fortune.

Her skin was flawless ivory, her lips full and ripe, Jack noted. He would relish kissing those luscious lips; indeed, he would relish doing much more than simply kiss Miss Fortin.

For a moment he let his imagination run riot. He could well envision the pleasure of bedding her, feeling her go wild beneath him, matching her in the throes of passion.…

But matrimony? Jack curbed the urge to shudder. God forbid.

The notion that Sophie Fortin, or any woman, might be his potential soul mate was laughable. He had no intention of being ensnared in a courtship, let alone marriage. And yet she was definitely too tantalizing to resist pursuing.

The dance ended just then, and Miss Fortin’s partner of the moment bowed and took his leave of her. Alone, she glanced over her shoulder and caught Jack watching her from a corner of the gardens.

Her gaze stayed on him for a long heartbeat. Then, instead of turning away out of shyness or embarrassment, she surprised him by suddenly moving his way.

Upon reaching him, she peered up into his mask, trying to see his eyes. Do I know you, sir? I penned the invitations for my Aunt Eunice, and I don’t recall anyone of your description on the guest list.

Although his pirate costume couldn’t disguise his height or athletic build, Jack suspected his identity was safe, since his mask covered the better part of his face and his headscarf mostly concealed his mane of black hair.

No, we have not met before, Miss Fortin, he answered, amused by her directness. Baldly confronting a stranger was something only the females in his family would do.

Then would you care to explain why you have been watching me these past twenty minutes or more?

Her boldness impressed him, but he parried her question with his habitual facile charm. Is it unreasonable for a man to enjoy watching a beautiful young lady?

In response to his flattery, she gave a light, skeptical laugh and glanced down at the cutlass he wore sashed at his waist. Am I in any danger? Pirates are known to take hostages for ransom and carry away maidens for their own wicked purposes.

If memory serves, I haven’t ravished any fair maidens since Tuesday last.

Her enchanting smile reappeared, much to his pleasure, although whatever reply she would have made was interrupted by her unlikely suitor, the Duke of Dunmore.

There you are, my dear, Dunmore said in a fond tone. You promised me your hand for the next set of dances, remember?

Her purported suitor, Jack observed, had fairly handsome features but thinning hair that was graying at the temples. In his mid-forties, the duke was also taller than average, but his aristocratic bearing was marred by his slight paunch.

After a brief hesitation, Miss Fortin answered with a gracious smile. Yes, of course I remember, your grace.

Seeing that entrancing smile bestowed on the nobleman, Jack felt an inexplicable pang of jealousy. Absurd, since he had no claim to Miss Fortin’s affections whatsoever.

The duke might have felt a touch of jealousy as well, for he cast Jack a sharp look before offering the lady his arm.

Who was that pirate fellow? Dunmore asked as he led her away.

I am not certain, Jack heard her say as they took their positions on the grass dance floor.

When the music began for a waltz, Jack watched their progress with bemusement, wondering what Miss Fortin saw in the Duke of Dunmore other than his illustrious title and fortune.

They did not appear to be well-matched as dance partners, for Dunmore was remarkably uncoordinated and kept treading upon her toes. Her expression remained serene until the third time he ground down on her foot, and then she couldn’t conceal a grimace.

Dunmore seemed to realize he had hurt her, for he halted in his tracks and began apologizing profusely. My dear, pray forgive my clumsiness. I fear I cannot keep up with these younger chaps.

Miss Fortin forced a smile. It is no matter, your grace. There are all manner of people who find the waltz difficult to negotiate since it is so new. But perhaps we should not attempt it any longer?

When Dunmore readily agreed, they moved back to the sidelines and stood conversing until the dance ended. A short while later, she excused herself.

When she turned toward the house, Jack could see her struggling to hide her limp. She was putting on a game face but was clearly in real pain.

With some thought of helping her, he followed her inside in time to see her hobble down a corridor and slip through a doorway. Curious as to what she was about, he pursued her.

She had taken refuge in the library, of all places, Jack realized upon pausing at the threshold. A table lamp had been lit, no doubt for the convenience of the ball guests, and Jack watched as Miss Fortin sank gratefully onto the sofa nearest the lamp.

Bending down, she raised her skirts to her knees, then removed her left dancing slipper and stocking. She muttered something inaudible before taking off her mask, perhaps the better to see as she examined her aching toes.

When she grimaced again, Jack stepped forward. May I be of assistance, Miss Fortin?

She gave a start of surprise and eyed him warily as he crossed the room to her. Without waiting for her agreement, Jack knelt before her and took her bare foot in his hands.

Allow me, he said, ignoring her sharply indrawn breath at his boldness.

Her smallest toe was bleeding, he could see. Does it hurt to bend it? he asked, gently prodding.

Yes, but not excruciatingly so.

Then it is only bruised, not broken, he pronounced. It should heal in a week or so. Trust me, I speak from experience, having been injured by many an iron-shod hoof in my youth.

Finding the end of his waist sash, he tore off a strip of fabric and used the makeshift handkerchief to blot the blood on her toe.

You can wrap this piece of cloth around your wound until you are able to fashion a proper bandage.

Thank you, she murmured.

At her genuine expression of appreciation, Jack made the mistake of looking up.

She had stunning eyes, he realized. Luminous and thickly lashed. A dark shade of blue that was almost violet.

Who had violet eyes? Jack thought irritably, struggling to resist her allure. This near, she was even more of an enchantress than he first realized, and his body reacted accordingly. The stab of desire that shot through him was as powerful as any he could remember.

In self-defense, he summoned a gruff voice. Why did you allow Dunmore to trample your feet and half cripple you? he demanded.

She had frozen at his nearness, but she looked taken aback by his inquiry. I was being courteous, if you must know. It would have been unkind to point out his shortcomings. Dunmore cannot help it if he is a terrible dancer. Some people are cursed with two left feet.

I suppose his rank and fortune can excuse myriad deficiencies, Jack said sardonically, intent on exposing her true motivation. Isn’t that the chief reason for your compassion? And why you wish to marry him?

She stared at him. Not at all. The duke is actually a very kind man. I didn’t wish to hurt his feelings.

At Jack’s skeptical silence, her gaze narrowed. Why is it any of your concern? When he didn’t answer, she made a demand of her own. "Who are you?"

Jack reached up to remove his own mask.

"You," she exclaimed, obviously recognizing him. Oddly enough, she seemed relieved to learn his identity, rather than apprehensive as he’d expected. She settled back on the sofa and regarded him thoughtfully.

I gather you know me? he asked.

Everyone knows of the scandalous Lord Jack Wilde.

But we have never met? I think I would remember you, Miss Fortin.

No, we have never met directly. I saw you at the Perrys’ ball earlier in the season, but you never noticed me.

I cannot imagine why, he said honestly.

Perhaps because I was dressed in white. You avoid debutantes like the plague.

He grinned at that. Ordinarily, yes.

I avoided you that particular night as well, since I had been warned about you. When his eyebrow lifted, she expounded. Our families have been locked in a blood feud for three generations, remember?

Ah, yes, the feud, Jack said. His great-uncle had killed her great-grandfather in a duel over a woman, and then fled to the American Colonies with the prize.

I always regretted that prohibition, Miss Fortin said wistfully. I would have enjoyed knowing Lady Katharine and Lady Skye, but I was forbidden to associate with them.

His mouth curved. Do you always do as you are bid?

She sidestepped the question. "Do you never do as you are bid? No, you needn’t answer. From all reports, you live to break rules."

What reports have you been heeding?

Oh, the gossip about you is universal. You are said to be an outrageously irreverent rakehell who can charm the birds from the trees—at least female birds. If only half the stories are true, I should fear for my virtue. As if suddenly becoming aware of the impropriety of the situation, she smoothed her skirts down over her knees. I should not even be speaking to you now.

So do you mean to run away screaming?

Her luminous eyes sparked with an appealing levity. "No. I have been a dutiful daughter all evening. And I am curious to know why you are speaking to me. Why are you here at my aunt’s ball, my lord? What do you want?"

I want you, lovely lady, came the unbidden thought.

His fierce attraction boded ill for his plan to dislike her, Jack acknowledged, laughing inwardly at the irony, but all his possessive male instincts were now keenly awake.

Deciding the truth was his best defense, he fixed his gaze on her luscious mouth. I am here because I promised my cousin I would kiss you.

Several heartbeats passed before she blinked. I beg your pardon?

Did you not hear me?

Oh, I heard you. I just could not believe you were serious. Her head tilted to one side. Why would you promise such a thing? Was it a dare?

No.

Then are you trying to win a wager? Did you bet that you could seduce me?

If he’d had some thought of discomposing her with his bald declaration, it wasn’t working, Jack noted. Sophie Fortin wasn’t at all intimidated by him. My promise has nothing to do with any wager.

I confess skepticism, she remarked, still amused. You are said to wager on almost anything.

Wanting to regain the upper hand in their conversation, Jack parried her comment. Should I be flattered that you know so much about me?

Probably not, since much of my knowledge is not good. You are nearly thirty years old but still act the reckless young buck half the time. You scandalize the ton monthly, if not more often.

He gave a mock wince. It pains me to agree.

Which of your cousins secured your promise to try and kiss me?

Skye, but Katharine had a part in it also.

Indeed? Why ever would they wish you to attempt it?

Jack’s lips twitched at her inquisitiveness. They are both bent on matchmaking.

Her blue eyes widened at that. Do tell.

It is a long story.

Miss Fortin glanced at the ormolu clock on the mantel. I fear I don’t have time for a long story. Perhaps you could just summarize the plot for me?

Do you mind if I get off my knees? Without waiting for her permission, Jack rose and settled on the sofa beside her, then reluctantly offered his explanation. Kate has a theory about the Wilde cousins needing to imitate the world’s greatest lovers in order to find our one true mates. You are supposed to be Juliet to my Romeo.

Her eyebrows shot up. This grows more intriguing by the moment.

Jack made a face. I don’t consider it ‘intriguing’ that she thinks you and I might suit.

She stared at him. Suit—as in matrimony? Surely she is jesting.

If you think that, you don’t know Kate, he said dryly.

Then she is daft.

My sentiments exactly. Her premise is utterly demented.

So you came to inspect me this evening?

You could put it that way.

What role did Lady Skye play in your decision?

Jack answered that question with even less enthusiasm. I was heading to an early-morning curricle race recently when she planted herself in my vehicle and commandeered the reins. Short of removing her bodily or forfeiting the race, I had no choice but to promise to investigate you.

A soft spurt of laughter escaped Miss Fortin. Oh, no, you would not want to miss a race, she murmured. Not a premiere member of the Four-in-Hand Club who is infamous for his neck-or-nothing carriage races.

The chit was teasing him, if not outright laughing at him, he decided. She continued before he could respond in kind. Lady Skye is known to be exceptionally persuasive, but you surprise me, Lord Jack, allowing your cousin and your sister to browbeat you.

I was hardly browbeaten.

No? You barged your way into a private ball uninvited and stalked me here to my aunt’s library because you wouldn’t stand up to them.

You do have a point, he said in a wry drawl. It is distinctly lowering. No self-respecting chap allows his female relatives to orchestrate his amorous affairs.

Her musical laughter rippled again, a sound so infectious that Jack chuckled himself. I admit, you are not what I expected, Miss Fortin.

What did you expect?

To be frank? A jellyfish with no spine.

Why?

"Because you are letting yourself be browbeaten into an unwanted marriage to Dunmore."

Simply because I choose to honor my parents’ wishes, you think I have no spine?

You are set on marrying the duke, are you not? You are far too willing to do as your parents tell you.

She didn’t seem offended by his critique of her, however. Instead, she just smiled that serene, faintly enigmatic smile of hers. How can you make such judgments when you know very little about me?

He couldn’t dispute her on that question. And strangely he didn’t want to. In truth, he wanted to know Sophie Fortin a great deal better.

Perhaps you aren’t such a milksop after all, he conceded.

Her eyes gleamed with humor. I suppose I should thank you for the backhanded compliment.

Such intelligent eyes, such warmth in them, Jack thought.

I confess, she admitted, you are not what I expected either. At least you make a habit of appearing in unexpected places.

What places?

Besides my aunt’s masquerade tonight? The Arundel Home for Unwed Mothers, for one.

It was his turn to be taken aback, although he kept his expression carefully neutral. What makes you think I appeared there?

She hesitated. "Last winter, one of the maids in our employ fell in love with a scoundrel. When she became enceinte, my parents dismissed her from our household without a character reference. I gave Martha the funds to live at the Arundel Home until her baby was born. I was visiting her one day this past April when I saw you there, meeting with the board of administrators. Your presence was such a curious phenomenon, I made it my business to ask about you. To my vast surprise, I learned you were a trustee and that you have contributed large sums for the home’s operation."

I think you must have been misinformed, Jack replied, fighting the urge to shift uncomfortably in his seat.

She searched his face. I don’t believe so. But I never did discover how you came to be involved. What kind of rake supports a home for unwed mothers? Unless …

Suddenly breaking off, she colored in evident embarrassment.

Unless what? he prodded, not unhappy to see her rendered speechless.

Unless you fathered a child on one of those poor women, she finished candidly.

I did not father any of their children, I assure you. I am very careful in that regard.

His own mother had borne him out of wedlock, although she hailed from a much different class than the Arundel Home’s occupants. As a former bastard himself, Jack hadn’t wanted to sire any by-blows, so he took precautions in all his love affairs.

Then why would you become a trustee? Miss Fortin asked.

Because it was a personal mission for him, supporting unwed mothers. Perhaps irrationally, he had a deep-seated, quixotic need to aid women like his mother, who might find themselves alone and helpless.

Yet he had no desire to make his personal crusade common knowledge. He’d never told anyone about his commitment to the Arundel Home—not his relatives, not even Skye, whom he was closest to among his family members.

Still, he had to tell Sophie Fortin something to satisfy her curiosity. Like you, I once knew someone who could have benefited from an institution like Arundel.

She studied him for another long moment, then nodded as if coming to a conclusion about him. When she next spoke, her tone had softened. I think your generosity is admirable.

Jack shrugged. It is nothing. I merely donate my race winnings to the Home.

Winnings that are undoubtedly significant, given your success at carriage racing. And I suspect the women you help there do not consider your contributions ‘nothing.’ 

Well, pray keep your observations to yourself. No one outside of Arundel knows of my involvement.

Her quizzical look suggested she was trying to understand him. You are definitely a puzzle, Lord Jack. Why don’t you want anyone to know about your altruism?

Because he kept his personal feelings private, even from his family. He didn’t open up easily, especially not to sheltered young ladies who were practically strangers, as Miss Fortin was.

But he deflected her question with a sardonic grin and an exaggeration. "Growing up as the youngest male Wilde cousin, I had the devil of a time holding my own with my brother and my cousin Quinn. They would

[dotland101 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"Lover Be Mine" - this time it's the story of Lord Jack Wilde, one of the five siblings/cousins, though adopted. His sister and cousin planned and schemed to find Jack a true love and found a gentle lady, Miss Sophie Fortin whom they thought would be a perfect match for Jack even though Jack is known as the notorious rake among the tons, worse than his older brother, Ash. This time they would follow the legendary lovers tale of Romeo and Juliet, although noone here would die like in Shakespeare's story, but there're enough similarities and serious obstacles because the two families; the Wildes and the Fortins have been enemies, the family feud has gone on for three generations. Sophie's father is so fiercely against the Wildes and adamant about keeping her away from the Wildes at all cost.

Jack only meant to indulge his sister and cousin, to check out Miss Fortin, and to prove them wrong. Boy! Did he find out quickly that he was so mistaken, and had to admit that his female siblings might just be right. Their attractions for each other are undeniable, there's something about Jack that he's hidden from the world and not what it seems, and it intrigues Sophie. There's also something about Sophie that hidden deep inside this gentle and obedient young lady, but if stirred and awaken......

Meanwhile, Sophie was meant to do her duty by her family and to marry a duke who is twice her age. Within a short few weeks together with Sophie, Jack decided he can't let that happen and would do anything to 'rescue' her. Sophie is more and more in doubt with her own decision, about her marriage of convenience to the duke the closer she's gotten to Jack and known him more. What would they have to do to convince her father and get him to relent and let his daughter marry for love instead of for title and wealth?
All I can say without giving away the story and spoil it for others is that this Legendary Lovers series is getting better and better!

[tmommy4 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Not one of my favorite Nicole Jordan books. The beginning was great I really enjoyed the interactions between the two main characters an of course with all romance novels, at least the ones that I like there is a happy ending. However, Ms Jordan fell into the typical melodrama found in many romances where the hero and heroine push each other away for the "good of the family" and "I must do the right thing even though it makes me miserable". I get frustrated with this over dramatization. I do like the idea of following the stories of Legendary lovers. I did not read the first book yet, but plan to do so and will try the next installment, hopefully this is just a blip in the series.

[keeneam · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I typically enjoy famous tales re-told and this was no exemption. Jordan did a good job with character development. I really enjoyed the hero, Jack, and heroine, Sophie. The plot was typical of a romance, but the ending was great, although I did enjoy the first book in the series more. I can't wait to read about the other cousins.

[beckymmoe_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

3.5 stars. This was a cute book, but not outstanding...I just didn't feel terribly invested in the two characters and their romance. I'm not really sure why. The blurb at the end definitely has me looking forward to the next in the series, though--Skye's story sounds great!

[gpangel_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lover Be Mine by Nicole Jordon is a 2013 Ballantine Publication. I would like to thank the publisher and Edelweiss for the ARC digital copy of this book. This is the second book in the "Legendary Lovers" series. Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. Lord Jack's adopted sister, Katharine and his cousin, Skye are up to their old match making tricks again. This time they have targeted him. Kate believes the five Wilde cousins can find true love by emulating legendary lovers through out history. In the first book, Cinderella was the legend. For Lord Jack, Kate has chosen "Romeo and Juliet". The reason is that Sophie Fortin is about to accept a marriage proposal from a Duke that is more much older than her and a complete bore. She is only agreeing to the marriage because of her parents and her sense of duty toward them. Kate and Skye convince Lord Jack to rescue the lady from being sold into a loveless marriage. What Lord Jack didn't count on was his immediate attraction to Sophie. The two felt a chemistry between them right away. Sophie had lost her only sibling and felt it her duty to bring a title into the family. Her father had been cheated out of a peerage title because of a long standing feud between Sophie's family and Lord Jack's family. The loss of a title and the wealth that could have been his has become an obsession for Sophie's father. But when Jack is given a journal written by one of his ancestors, he finds that his family never intended things to work out the way they did. It was all just a terrible tragedy. Once Jack has his first encounter with Sophie, he is determined to set her free from her parents and a loveless marriage. He is also determined to show her what she would be missing out on if she married the staid Duke. Once Sophie has experienced a few smoldering kisses from Jack, she discovers a passion she never knew could exist. But, she is torn between duty to her parents and her own happiness. Because her parents are so set on Sophie having a title and wealth, Jack decides he will attempt to claim his inheritance from his estranged father. This would make Sophie a princess and give her vast wealth. But, will that be enough to satisfy her unbending father? Are Sophie and Jack doomed like Romeo and Juliet? Or will they have their happy ever after?Nicole Jordan is a wonderful author of historical romances. This one is really inventive. There is adventure, romance, scandal , but also there this is a story about the power of love. Jack is in need of finding peace concerning his mother's death and his fear of loving anyone, lest he lose them. Sophie learns to step out of her parents shadow and take up for herself. I loved the way the author built the sexual tension. Hot kisses, then a slow progression from there. Having to keep the romance a secret also added a element of suspense. I also loved Sophie's Aunt Eunice. She was a lady way ahead of her time. If you love historical romances or just any kind of romance, this is one to try out. I'll give this one an A.

[amdrane2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this romance and hope to read more about this funny deeply caring family. I hadn't read the previous book in this series, as I wasn't aware that this was a series until I had already started reading this one, but once I finished I went and bought the first one.

I liked that the female relatives decided that each member of the family will find their perfect mate by emulating a pair of legendary lovers. In this case it was Romeo and Juliet and Jack and Sophie definitely fit the bill as star-crossed lovers. Their families had been in a feud for a couple generations. The chase Jack takes to secure Sophie to his side was a thrill to read. Not only were we in London, but we visited Paris (briefly) and a country Navartania (not sure about that spelling). The pair were perfect for each other.

Can't wait to read the next book and see who gets put through the romance drama. Doesn't have to be read as part of the series, but I'm sure it would be even more enjoyable.

[russofamily1207 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a great historical romance novel. The characters are well developed and it is very well written. I did not read the first story but I did think it was neat that the series is doing each couple as a fairy tale couple. From what I could tell the first book was Cinderella and this one is Romeo and Juliet. Could not put the book down- read it in one sitting.

[rockstarninja_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

To preface this, I didn't read the 1st book so I didn't get the back story with most of the other characters, but It was an interesting concept for a plot device. Each main character has a love story that mimics a fairytale story. This one was Romeo and Juliette. The beginning of the story was good and even through most of it, everything that happened kept the story moving, but the end just seemed to be tacked on. It wasn't that I didn't like it, but I couldn't decide if the author kept the story going for too long or not long enough.

[dd196406 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Enjoyable Regency-era romance novel. Fun beach read. Brings in classic Shakespeare tale and interweaves with the main characters for an interesting and entertaining story. Good beach read.

[historicalbooklover · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book! One of the better historical novels I have read in a long while. The characters are engaging and have there own personalities that come through the pages - this author has a way of writing that makes you feel like you are there and actually know the different people. I never read the 1st book in the series but plan to buy soon so I can catch up - and I am really looking forward to reading book 3 when it comes out - The Wilde family is full of mischief & I am very curious to read the girls stories. I would recommend this book to all historical romance lovers - Thanks Librarything for the chance to review!

[narshkite · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

First things first: I received this book for free from LibraryThing Early Reviewers. I assure you this in no way compromises my ability to be fair in this review.

I have a deal to offer Nicole Jordan. If she will forever banish the word "brazen" from her writings, I will give her another star. I am not exaggerating when I estimate this book contains well over 100 uses of the word. There were 2 facing pages where it was used 5 times. It got so bad that every time I came across the word I had to put the book down and take deep breaths. STOP with the "brazen" Nicole! Especially stop with the "bold and brazen" -- they mean the same thing. Which takes me to my next issue: stop repeating things in general. This issue takes two forms in the book. First, the lists of 3 or 4 adjectives or adverbs that mean the same thing. "Brazen, shameless, defiant, bold, etc. All the same things. Really. The second part of the repetition issue is simply stating the same things over and over again. The same stories are repeated and repeated and repeated. Like I have done in my last two sentences, our narrator says things over and over. We know why Sophie's father objects to Jack, we know why Jack is cautious with his feelings, we know why Sophie does not want to upset her parents, we know all these things. We know these things yet the stories that surround these issues are told at least half a dozen times each. This would have been a better book at 300 pages than it is at 400.

I started with the negatives here, but there are a lot of positives. The story is good and the main characters are rather charming (as is Sophie's aunt, who is central to the story.) If it had not been for the sloppy writing this would have been a good read. I do want to emphasize the issue is sloppiness. I think Jordan is generally a decent writer. The story is well organized and the characters' behavior is consistent and believable (enough). This reads like a first draft. The failure to edit yielded prose so jarring it takes the reader out of the story. Bodice rippers are fantasies and if you can't get lost in this sort of book it is not worth the time.

[lostshadows · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book does a lot of things right.

It has a silly premise, but it has the characters acknowledge that it is a silly premise, instead of dancing around or trying to hide the idea. The man Sophie's parents want her to marry isn't a bad guy, just not a great match. The motives of Sophie's parents aren't presented as unreasonable. It also has a refreshing discussion about birth control between the two leads, when they decide they want to be fully intimate before marriage, and the hero questioning whether he can really be in love with a woman he barely knows.

But it also goes wrong in several areas.

Some are minor, such as a habit of repeating information too often or the heroine's being surprised that a man she knows lived in France until he was six, actually speaks fluent French. Others are more glaring.

The main one for me, was the hero's reconciliation with his father. Jack seems to get over a lifetime of blaming the man, not completely unreasonably, for his mother's death, in the span of just a few days. This just felt too abrupt, especially considering the level of hatred the reader had been presented with up to that point.

I also had issues with the fact that every time Jack accused Sophie of not standing up for herself, it was to get her to do what he wanted her to do, instead of what her parents wanted her to do. Trading who's wishes you'll cave in to is not the same thing as growing a spine.

Then there's a bit just a few chapters from the end, where Jack seems to abruptly change his tune about marrying Sophie. It turns out, at least partly, to be because he's working on something to help sway her parent's opinion, but there's no reason he can't tell Sophie about this plan. Nor does it really explain all of the inner turmoil he's suddenly experiencing. It seems like the author just decided to squeeze in piece of last minute conflict, which reads like arbitrary last minute conflict.

It's not a bad book. Overall, I liked Sophie and Jack and could buy their relationship, and I don't think the problems detract too much from the enjoyability.

[vanianunes-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A Romeo and Juliet's like story. This is how Jack's sister, Katherine, qualifies his romance with Sophie Fortin.
The Wilde and Fortin families have a long-standing feud: Sophie's great-grandfather was killed in a duel by an ancestor of Jack. Because of this, the line of succession to the barony turned out to anyone other than the father of Sophie, and Mr. Fortin Wilde blames any Wilde for it. He'd never allowed his only daughter even had the company of someone in that family!


Sophie was already being prepared to be proposed in marriage by the Duke Dunmore and thus be able to take her family social ostracism off and leverage their financial situation.
Until she meets Jack at a masked ball ... and feels that her life changed forever.


Jack was not interested in marriage. To love and worry about someone was the last thing on his list. Especially after having learned the hard way what love could cause a person. But when he was convinced by his cousin Skye to join her at the ball, and he saw the beauty of Sophie Fortin, his sense to protect the beautiful woman of a inconsequential marriage fires.
He had little time to woo her ... But just relying on the best of allied ...


Nicole Jordan knows how to drive a story.
Her couples are always full of life, dilemmas and their dialogues are strong, accurate and engaging. As you read, you're hoping that something happens and the couple can finally live "happily ever after".
Hot scenes of her books are also famous, although I found this a little less hot than the previously read. But they are still wonderful.

Sophie is torn between staying with the man who is the love of her life and her obedience to her parents. With the precarious financial situation of the family and the help of her great aunt Eunice Pennant, she does not think would be fair to follow her heart desires and leave their parents in bitterness. Especially after the death of her only brother who could bring back the title to family.

Jack, on the other hand, is one of the most eligible bachelors of the ton. Rich, handsome, he does not think to be involved with anyone because the simple fact of what he had seen love brought to his mother. His past was not even mentioned, but he couldnt forget. And he would do anything to help Sophie without becoming involved ...


The Wilde's clan is another masterpiece.
This book is number 2 of a series, I believe, will have at least five stories. The first book, "Princess Charming", brings Ashton and Maura's story.
They are 5 brothers / cousins ​​Wilde: Ashton, Quinn, Katherine, Skye and Jack.
As the series is called "Legendary Lovers", this means that each character will have a story inspired by a couple of romantic literature. The first was inspired by Cinderella's. This, Romeo and Juliet. The next will be: Quinn ("Pygmalion and Galatea"), Katherine ("Taming of the Shrew") and Skye, my favorite story ("Beauty and the Beast").

My impressions:
I loved the book and I look forward to reading sequels.
Recommend the series to all my friends who love Historical Romances and hopefully be available soon in my language.
The pace of the story was perfect.
Positives points: perfect pace, characters with dilemmas involving the reader, sense of humor. And this book maked me want to read book 1!!!
Negative points: not found.

[librarydanielle_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

overall I rather enjoyed this installment of the fairy tale series. there were parts that made me roll my eyes, but overall I enjoyed it. one of the weakest points was the epilogue. it was way overdone, and the language too florid. it also served no point- no loose ends were tied up, there was no glimpse into the future, it was just an opportunity for an overdone sex scene. I could have done without it.
Lord Jack is the black sheep of the wilde clan. determined to play the clown and keep his family entertained he plays the part of the gentile rogue.
Lady Sophie Fortin is a dutiful daughter. she plans to marry where her father desires and have a content, if not happy life.
until lady skye steps in. she is determined that jack and sophie are a real life romeo and juilet, and are destined for love and happiness.
but the fortins and the wildes have been feuding for generations and sophie can't let her desire for jack overrule her good sense.