Everlasting: A Historical Romance Novel of Deception, Honor, and Forbidden Love

By Kathleen E. Woodiwiss and Kathleen E. Woodwiss

Book Overview

Historical romance was born when the remarkable Kathleen E. Woodiwiss gifted the world with her groundbreaking love story, The Flame and the Flower. Now, twelve consecutive New York Times bestsellers later, "the first lady of the genre" (Publishers Weekly) returns with her most breathtaking masterwork to date--a glorious celebration of a secret love that is dangerous, irresistible, forbidden, and . . . Once, Abrielle's name was on the lips of every unwed nobleman in London as a proud exceptional lady coveted for her bearing, her breeding, her wit, and her beauty. But when her stepfather--respected for his courage and valor during the Crusades--is denied his rightful title and the wealth that accompanies it, Abrielle finds herself suddenly disgraced, no longer a suitable match for any proper gentleman. Only one would still have her, though he desires no more than physical pleasure: the oafish and grotesque Desmond de Marle. His dark and scandalous reputation is legend, and Abrielle has heard rumors that his first two wives perished by his hand. Yet no one else can rescue her once-proud family's honor and keep her stepfather from debtor's prison, so she is left with no choice but to accept the cruel and hateful de Marle's offer of marriage and sacrifice her virtue to a scoundrel she fears and detests . . . even as she yearns for another lover. Dashing, handsome, tall, and kind--a black-haired Scotsman with vivid blue eyes--Raven Seabern is an emissary for his king, and quite unlike any man Abrielle has ever encountered. From the very first moment their eyes meet, he intrigues and mesmerizes her--and dancing in his arms at a royal banquet leaves her weak with the desire to surrender. But their love can never be, for Abrielle is betrothed to a monster. And the well-being of everyone she cares for demands that she honor her promise. Still, the fire lit that night will not be doused. Raven knows he has found the true one and must never let her go--though secrets, deceptions, dishonor, and unimaginable peril will surely be their fate if they follow the dictates of their hearts.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060545526
• ISBN13: 9780060545529
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: Avon
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.1" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Wish there were a sequel!

This being my first real visit to Romance Genre Land, I am pleasantly surprised to not find it filled with what I thought would be half-naked Fabios & fainting women. Rather it was endearing, well-written, & the characters neither racy nor weak. There was a scene of bodice ripping, but I'll let it slide since it was presented in context with the scene. I feel fortunate to have chosen this book at random from my library when I decided to give the romance genre a test, because Woodiwiss was instrumental in the rebirth of the genre in the 1970s. The story surrounds Abrielle who is married off to the disgusting Desmond de Marlé, to save her family from financial ruin while she longs for another man. Not just any man of course, a highlander with raven hair (coincidentally named Raven), blue eyes, & impeccably chivalrous manners. Well, aside from the wanton staring he does at her! I really can't do this book any justice in my descriptions, I'm probably putting people off from buying it (or borrowing it from the library). For technicality, it was well written, with each character standing on their own, & the plot seemed to flow very well. If you like hunky Scotsmen who are more than willing to help a lady in need & you like your heroines a bit sassy, but not obnoxiously so, this is the book for you.

Thank you, Mrs. Woodiwiss

Her carer began over thirty years ago with her first novel The Flame and the Flower and The Wolf and the Dove Woodiwiss passed away recently, but we have one last opportunity to enjoy a new novel from her, the beautiful and memorable Everlasting The heroine of Everlasting Lady Abrielle, is lovely, bright and well-bred--the toast of the English royal court. Every nobleman wants to marry her. Yet when her stepfather loses a chance at great wealth, Abrielle no longer has money or property to bring to a marriage. Now, the only man who'll have her is a wealthy but cruel and vulgar brute rumored to have murdered his first two wives. Abrielle resigns herself to her duty--remember, back in those days, women had little to no choice in whom they wed. Yet, if Abrielle could choose her mate, it'd be Raven Seabern, the dashing Scottish ambassador who can't seem to keep his stunning blue gaze from hers. Raven is considerate, yet masterful and nobody's fool. He awakens in Abrielle new emotions and sensations with one intimate dance and a single, stolen kiss. But one fateful night, Abrielle's fortune changes. A gruesome occurrence forces her to become a competent woman instead of an uncertain young maiden. And now Abrielle has to decide if she's ready for everything that goes along with getting exactly what one wishes for. Everlasting is a lovely and engaging novel. It entices the reader with a charming central love story surrounded by intrigue, action and plenty of heroines in dire straits. An appealing and sweetly sensual final offering to readers who remain devastated by the loss of the author. And it is, perhaps, a gift to readers yet to discover the charm, passion and inspirational quality of her books. For discover her they shall. As long as women continue to support this magnificent genre, they will read--and pay homage to--the woman who made it possible. For fans of the genre I'd recommend reading, if you mised it, TIN0'S masterful novel: FATES. Fates

Not vintage but still Woodiwiss

Kathleen E. Woodiwiss is the benchmark all other romance writers strive for--knowing this will be the last of novel produced by her was certainly a great sadness to me. (As I'm sure it is for most romance readers) Everlasting falls a bit short to the ridiculously high standards set by Kathleen's other works but is still a great read and one you'll kick yourself later if you miss it.

EVERLASTING

i was so glad to get a new kathleen woodiwiss book. she is my favorite author. it saddened me to think this is her last book. the news of her passing deeply saddened me. this book is typical woodiwiss, which is wonderful,but seemed very short (326 pages). maybe i just wanted it to go on and on knowing it is probably the last. the last part of the book didn't even seem to be written by her. i hope it was. i have been hooked since shanna. all of them will always be my favorite escapes from a humdrum life including EVERLASTING. wonderful name for a book from an author that has made everlasting entertainment in people's lives.

THe book is worth reading

Although not her best work, the book is still worth the read, Compared to other garbage out there. further more I think it was more than well written despite the set backs Mrs. Woodiwiss was experiencing at the time she wrote this book, Her fatal Illness ( that cause her recent Death) and the death of her son. I doubt anyone would write more than two words in such perilous times, she was devoted to her many fans and still left us something before passing RIP. My everlasting devotion goes to her work now and always. Iris