Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collections
Publication
Bantam (2013), Mass Market Paperback, 336 pages
Description
Fiction. Romance. Historical Fiction. HTML:NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY RT BOOK REVIEWS �?� An ambitious beauty seeking a spot among the elite is thwarted by a most disruptive gentleman in Cecilia Grant�??s witty, elegant, and exquisitely sensual novel. Kate Westbrook has dreams far bigger than romance. Love won�??t get her into London�??s most consequential parties, nor prevent her sisters from being snubbed and looked down upon�??all because their besotted father unadvisedly married an actress. But a noble husband for Kate would deliver a future most suited to the granddaughter of an earl. Armed with ingenuity, breathtaking beauty, and the help of an idle aunt with connections, Kate is poised to make her dreams come true. Unfortunately, a familiar face�??albeit a maddeningly handsome one�??appears bent on upsetting her scheme. Implored by Kate�??s worried father to fend off the rogues eager to exploit his daughter�??s charms, Nick Blackshear has set aside the torch he�??s carried for Kate in order to do right by his friend. Anyway, she made quite clear that his feelings were not returned�??though policing her won�??t abate Nick�??s desire. Reckless passion leads to love�??s awakening, but time is running out. Kate must see for herself that the charms of high society are nothing compared to the infinite sweet pleasures demanded by the heart. Praise for A Woman Entangled �??In the third of her Blackshear family series, Grant tackles class distinction and complex family dynamics in a wonderful sensual romance and witty tale in the style of Jane Austen . . . Grant skillfully takes a shallow, immature heroine and develops her into a likable, admirable grown woman. Grant is a smart, innovative, clever writer.�?��??RT Book Reviews �??Wielding a deliciously sharp wit that even Jane Austen would envy, Grant delivers yet another cleverly conceived and deftly choreographed Regency historical that is both lushly sensual and thoroughly romantic. Readers who have yet to discover Grant�??s impeccably written romances are in for a rare treat.�?��??Booklist (starred review) �??An emotionally rich, sensually lush romance.�?��??Kirkus Reviews �??Cecilia Grant is swiftly becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors, with her complex characters and thoughtful explorations of how their historical period shapes them. If you love multifaceted stories, definitely give her work a try!�?��??Heroes and Heartbreakers �??The writing and characterization is every bit as good as I�??ve come to expect, and Ms. Grant�??s economic, restrained style works beautifully to allow the depth of emotion that bubbles under the surface throughout the story to speak for itself. There is no verbiage for the sake of it; this author pays her readers the huge compliment of trusting us with… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Unreachableshelf
I've read both of the previous Blackshear Family books and was eagerly awaiting the third, so I was happy to get the chance to receive it early. I enjoy her unusual characters and the new twists she puts on well known tropes, plus I am fond of friends-to-lovers stories. Some other reviews have
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mentioned having trouble liking the characters, but I actually enjoy their practical streaks. That said, something about this book didn't work quite as well for me as Lady Awakened did. But then less than perfect Cecilia Grant is still better than a lot of other authors. Show Less
LibraryThing member Narshkite
I had mixed feelings, but I am going to be magnanimous. What I liked, the honest approach to the ridiculous strictures of 18th century polite society and the truth about marriage as an economic pact; the references to oft forgotten early feminists like Mary Wolstencraft; The celebration of great
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relationships between sisters and women friends. What I didn't like, well, there was no real passion. The relationship was flat, and the sex pretty non-existent (one scene of - pardon the vulgarity - dry-humping and one scene where she manages to get through the loss of her virginity.) There was a sweetness to both scenes, but a sensuality rating of about 1 out of 10. I read romances to be transported and to melt into these lovely imaginary love affairs, and this book did not offer that opportunity. Overall, a nice gentle, honest, nicely written romance. Show Less
LibraryThing member jenevolves
I was quite delighted to have received this book from Early Reviewers, as I read and loved Ms. Grant's other book A Lady Awakened. While I did not love A Woman Entangled quite as much, I still greatly enjoyed it! Where others may call the pacing of her books slow, I would say they are deliberate,
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and make the character's growing feelings seem much more real. I didn't necessarily love Kate at first, she is such a richly drawn character that I still understood her, until I was rooting for her and Nick. Celia Grant is definitely an auto buy for me now! Show Less
LibraryThing member duevelcm
I received this book as an Early Book Review from LibraryThing and enjoyed it a great deal. The characters and how they are drawn to one another, even after she has refused him previously worked for me. The parallels drawn between them and Austen's Emma and Knightly worked for me... Their chemistry
Other reviewers have remarked that it is slow, but I did not find that it lagged. I was happy to read a historical romance by an author that will write a plot that is NOT a carbon copy of every other one out there and seems to have done their due diligence regarding research of the era in which the characters live.
As someone who reads and then immediately donates a large amount of historical romance novels, I think that I'll keep this one on my shelf for a while.
4.5 stars.
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was great and the story compelling. I have not read Cecilia Grant previously, but now plan to look for the 2 previous titles in this series. Other reviewers have remarked that it is slow, but I did not find that it lagged. I was happy to read a historical romance by an author that will write a plot that is NOT a carbon copy of every other one out there and seems to have done their due diligence regarding research of the era in which the characters live.
As someone who reads and then immediately donates a large amount of historical romance novels, I think that I'll keep this one on my shelf for a while.
4.5 stars.
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LibraryThing member dd196406
Enjoyable book. Very rich in detail and description.
LibraryThing member mverga
Kate Westbrook is the child of a marriage that violated the Oh-So-Rigid Ton's rules. Her mother was (heaven-forbid!) an actress. Her father's family has disowned her father completely, but Kate has secretly been trying to enact a reconciliation. She hopes to use her beauty to snare a Ton husband,
Kate is very single-minded about her goals. She's pragmatic and somewhat ruthless, willing to step on some toes to get back into the Ton. From a modern-day perspective, I kept asking why? Why would you want to be part of a group that ostracizes people, belittles them, and prides itself on its very snobbishness? Frankly, the dinners at Kate's family home seemed much more interesting than the Ton events.
Kate and Nick's love/hate relationship is the thread that allows us to see Kate's character developing and maturing. I couldn't predict how things would resolve, and that definitely kept my interest.
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and subsequently elevate her sister's marriage chances.Kate is very single-minded about her goals. She's pragmatic and somewhat ruthless, willing to step on some toes to get back into the Ton. From a modern-day perspective, I kept asking why? Why would you want to be part of a group that ostracizes people, belittles them, and prides itself on its very snobbishness? Frankly, the dinners at Kate's family home seemed much more interesting than the Ton events.
Kate and Nick's love/hate relationship is the thread that allows us to see Kate's character developing and maturing. I couldn't predict how things would resolve, and that definitely kept my interest.
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LibraryThing member Conkie
A Woman Entangled is of the rarest of historical romance books, in that the story feels based more in truth, than fiction. The H/H and secondary characters have traits or commit acts that don't really endear them to the reader, and the book does not crescendo to a nicely tied-up ending. Adding
All-in-all, Ms. Grant is a new author worthy of the time spent in reading one of her three published stories. I, for one, intend to put the two previously published books in this series, on my TBR list.
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interest to this read for me, is the use of a different form of English, or what I would call "proper English." All-in-all, Ms. Grant is a new author worthy of the time spent in reading one of her three published stories. I, for one, intend to put the two previously published books in this series, on my TBR list.
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LibraryThing member amdrane2
I just couldn't get into this book. I had good expectations considering all the 4-5 star reviews. Sadly, I just didn't like Kate and I think that's what made the book drag on. All she cares about were her looks, which she knows all men think she's beautiful, and her social standing. She doesn't
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care about anyone else's feelings, even trying to cozy up to her father's family who disowned her father. Does she not care that her parents were shunned? Oh she says she cares, but she still tried getting into her aunt's good graces. Then poor Nick. She spends most of the book telling him he's not good enough for her then she has the nerve to be upset about it. I'll try another of Ms. Grant's book in the future to make sure this was just a one time occurrence of me not caring for a book or if it's that I don't care for her writing style. Show Less
LibraryThing member JenniWindsor
I received this book through Early Reviewers and although historical romance isn't my first choice, I found I enjoyed this one more than others I've read. It did take me a while to get into the book as the beginning tended to drag a little. It has made me curious to read some of the author's other
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titles though as in the end I found it quite enjoyable. Show Less
LibraryThing member gincam
Striving to restore the social status of her family, Kate Westbrook becomes "A Woman Entangled" when her heart begins to rule her head. Author Cecilia Grant makes prodigious use of Regency societal strictures and how they affected the wealthy and those who were less entitled. Kate Westbrook is the
Review Copy Gratis Library Thing
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granddaughter of an earl, but her father's marriage to an actress caused a family scandal and led to a painful estrangement from the titular familial branch. Kate's father, a barrister, and her mother, a lady of virtue, were quite happily married. It was Kate and her siblings who felt the snubs of wealthy peers, especially while attending school. A recognized beauty, Kate is determined to use her looks to lead to a most advantageous marriage, albeit one without love. There was someone who had caught her eye, a fellow barrister of her father, and someone well-liked by her entire family. Nick Blackshear had offered his intention to court Kate several years ago, and she had painfully rejected him. He was still in the process of establishing his legal career, and he would never bring her the social esteem she desired. Although she liked him, and thought him attractive, she spurned his romantic overtures. Nick still carried a torch for Kate, but he took his heartache in stride, and continued his friendship with her father and her family. After years of trying, Kate finally makes contact with a socially proper aunt who takes an interest in her plan for propriety. Once Kate is out and about, going to balls and mixing with eager bachelors, her worried father asks Nick to keep an eye on her. Things don't go quite as planned, and the more time Nick and Kate spend together, the more their thoughts turn to one another. Hurt, anger, and denial give way to longing and sweetly sensual encounters. Nick's own family has known it's share of scandal--his brother had married a courtesan, causing a rift in the Blackshear clan. Will Kate let her heart see that loving someone and being loved in return is the greatest status of all? Can Nick overcome his own prejudices and reconcile with his brother? After all is said and done, will the hearts on trial win their case? Author Cecilia Grant is a marvelous storyteller with a unique and unexpected style, always keeping the reader involved and intrigued. Review Copy Gratis Library Thing
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LibraryThing member Deserie.Comfort
ABOUT THE BOOK:
An ambitious beauty seeking a spot among the elite is thwarted by a most disruptive gentleman in Cecilia Grant’s witty, elegant, and exquisitely sensual novel.
Kate Westbrook has dreams far bigger than romance. Love won’t get her into London’s most consequential parties, nor
Implored by Kate’s worried father to fend off the rogues eager to exploit his daughter’s charms, Nick Blackshear has set aside the torch he’s carried for Kate in order to do right by his friend. Anyway, she made quite clear that his feelings were not returned—though policing her won’t abate Nick’s desire. Reckless passion leads to love’s awakening, but time is running out. Kate must see for herself that the charms of high society are nothing compared to the infinite sweet pleasures demanded by the heart.
REVIEW:
Wow! WOW! Ms. Grant doesn’t disappoint! This book was not only a page-turner, one I couldn’t put down, but the writing was as smooth as warm honey. Such a beautifully crafted story, told so well, that you will forget the characters are only fictional. You’ll fall in love with both, as you read their story toward a true quest for love.
I loved the angst with this piece and the modern day turn on a historical romance. I think this is a piece that will have readers gripping the book and hopping in their seat.
Ms. Grant has the ability to transform her stories into a majestic wonder for readers all over! Five out of five stars for a job well done!
An ambitious beauty seeking a spot among the elite is thwarted by a most disruptive gentleman in Cecilia Grant’s witty, elegant, and exquisitely sensual novel.
Kate Westbrook has dreams far bigger than romance. Love won’t get her into London’s most consequential parties, nor
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prevent her sisters from being snubbed and looked down upon—all because their besotted father unadvisedly married an actress. But a noble husband for Kate would deliver a future most suited to the granddaughter of an earl. Armed with ingenuity, breathtaking beauty, and the help of an idle aunt with connections, Kate is poised to make her dreams come true. Unfortunately, a familiar face—albeit a maddeningly handsome one—appears bent on upsetting her scheme.Implored by Kate’s worried father to fend off the rogues eager to exploit his daughter’s charms, Nick Blackshear has set aside the torch he’s carried for Kate in order to do right by his friend. Anyway, she made quite clear that his feelings were not returned—though policing her won’t abate Nick’s desire. Reckless passion leads to love’s awakening, but time is running out. Kate must see for herself that the charms of high society are nothing compared to the infinite sweet pleasures demanded by the heart.
REVIEW:
Wow! WOW! Ms. Grant doesn’t disappoint! This book was not only a page-turner, one I couldn’t put down, but the writing was as smooth as warm honey. Such a beautifully crafted story, told so well, that you will forget the characters are only fictional. You’ll fall in love with both, as you read their story toward a true quest for love.
I loved the angst with this piece and the modern day turn on a historical romance. I think this is a piece that will have readers gripping the book and hopping in their seat.
Ms. Grant has the ability to transform her stories into a majestic wonder for readers all over! Five out of five stars for a job well done!
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LibraryThing member rmaitzen
I liked the explicit discussion of Austen's plots in this one (especially the initial skepticism about Elizabeth's risky decision to forego marrying for money given the family's financial situation). But overall, though it read easily enough, it seemed a little more flat, or rote, than her first
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two. Show Less
LibraryThing member LHThomas
this was a book I received from early reviewers.This book had so many POV from both the male and female leads then short conversations with each other,then stages of lust. Seems to me they acted as modern yuppies through most of the book then realized they would give up all to be together,pleaze
LibraryThing member Amelia_Smith
This book focuses far more on the characters' internal, moral struggles than what I've come to expect in this genre. That made for a bit of a slow start -- I could put the book down and go to sleep before I finished it -- but it also made for a more satisfying story in the end.
LibraryThing member bookworm2bookworm
Horrors of horrors! No, not the book. I just realized that I’ve read this book way back when it first got out, however I’ve never reviewed it! I honestly thought I did. If you are a reviewer, I know you’ll understand how this can happen. To say I’m embarrassed would be an understatement.
This is yet another well written and plotted story from an author that is very new to me and that I seriously think will be someone who I must read, no matter what.
Her stories are fresh, poignant and extremely real. She thrives on creating characters that are flawed, yet redeemable in the readers’ eyes. I like the fact that Ms. Grant takes chances with creating characters who are unique and who you may not like at first, yet they are interesting and entertaining. They are meant to make me think and mull over the reasons behind the choices they make.
Both Kate and Nick had to work hard for me to like them, and in the end I did. I questioned many decisions these two made and I had a blast finding out what made them tick.
If you’ve never read this author, please try to remedy the situation. She is too good to be missed.
Melanie for b2
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I’d like to apologies to the author and to the publishing house, as well as to all of you because this book should have been on your TBR couple of years ago. Well, I guess that the old adage “Better late than ever!” definitely applies here ;)This is yet another well written and plotted story from an author that is very new to me and that I seriously think will be someone who I must read, no matter what.
Her stories are fresh, poignant and extremely real. She thrives on creating characters that are flawed, yet redeemable in the readers’ eyes. I like the fact that Ms. Grant takes chances with creating characters who are unique and who you may not like at first, yet they are interesting and entertaining. They are meant to make me think and mull over the reasons behind the choices they make.
Both Kate and Nick had to work hard for me to like them, and in the end I did. I questioned many decisions these two made and I had a blast finding out what made them tick.
If you’ve never read this author, please try to remedy the situation. She is too good to be missed.
Melanie for b2
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LibraryThing member samnreader
So, I don't have much energy for a review, but saw that there were all kinds of them from friends, so I'll leave it at that unless I get inspired.
LibraryThing member pearlbaguette
Sweet, but the plot was not strong enough to prevent me from skipping some parts. It was lovely to see Nick and Will reconcile after their falling out in the previous book.
LibraryThing member zannerina
Cecilia Grant’s third novel, A Woman Entangled is a wonderful composite of graceful writing, historical exposition, and believable emotion. I loved it!
A Woman Entangled (Blackshear Family series #3) is a pointed homage to Jane Austen by Grant’s repeated contextual reference Austen’s novels,
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and by the novel’s similar focus on one young couple struggling to understand the significance of duty, love, marriage, family, and societal expectations in their lives. Kate Westbrook, the beautiful heroine, is an avid reader of Pride and Prejudice. However, Kate, unlike her fictional counterpart Elizabeth Bennett, is not inspired to seek a marriage based on romantic love. Kate, and her siblings, have suffered the societal consequences of their father’s mésalliance. Her father, a successful barrister and the son of an earl, was disowned when he married Kate’s mother, a respected and respectable Shakespearian actress. Theirs was a love match, which resulted in a large and close-knit family. But Kate is less impressed by her parent’s happiness, than by the loss of her paternal aristocratic relatives. She feels stifled by the family’s middle class lifestyle, and hurt the social snubs her family endures. As a result, Kate is determined to be ruthlessly sensible and has a game plan to rekindle relations with her wealthy relatives and barter her considerable physical beauty and charm for marriage to a wealthy titled gentleman.
Nick Blackshear, a handsome and talented young barrister is in love with Kate, but realizes he has no chance with her. Although they continue as friends, she has earlier rejected his courtship because he is not wealthy or aristocratic. In addition, his life has also been marred by a family mésalliance. His legal practice suffered when his brother married a prostitute. Fewer solicitors refer him few legal cases and he worries that his political ambitions will be doomed by this family scandal. In addition, Nicholas has become completely estranged from this brother as a result of the unfortunate marriage, but still misses their closeness.
Like the famously tortured couple of Pride and Prejudice, Kate and Nicholas are forced to examine and weigh their choices; eventually embracing love, mutual respect, and family. However, Grant demonstrates the real consequences of their choices in a society that is rigidly tied to tradition, class distinction, and hypocritical morality. The reader is left at the conclusion of the book with the gratifying understanding that their lives may continue to be a struggle on some fronts, but that they will be fortified by their and the love of their closest relations.
Grant’s depiction of the legal world of the Inns of Court was thrilling and historically accurate. This is professional milieu I hope she may explore in future books, as well as the lives of the secondary characters, such as the feminist sister Violet, who was a delight.
I received this book as a free Firstreads copy through goodreads.com.
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LibraryThing member JorgeousJotts
I totally get that two people in a heated interaction can be both angry and attracted, maybe even especially so, but it never rings true for me the whole 'You're the worst! I'll show you, I'll kiss you! That'll really teach you a lesson!' thing. I'm sure it's trying to play with tension, most often
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they've never kissed before, angst maybe? =/ And it might be different if they both paused in the midst of their conflict, realizing they'd rather be doing something else besides arguing, and then started in. But forcing a hard, angry kiss on someone right when they're angriest with you just seems especially violating. It's probably legally assault or something. Let's maybe just retire this old cliche. Surely we've come far enough we can stop spinning 'forced sexual act as punishment' as desirable. ~Obviously romantic aggression is fine if both parties have agreed to it, consensual, it's whatever works for you! Fine story otherwise. Show Less
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
336 p.; 4.2 inches
ISBN
0345532562 / 9780345532565