Complete Abandon

I gave this book 5 stars because although I just got into reading Cheryl Holt (I think I am about 7 books into her stuff by now) she has a serious tendency to use phrases and specific wording from one book to the other. With that in mind you are asking yourself why I would still give it 5 stars well because although throughout the book I could remember reading her previous books versions of kissing, sex, etc in which the usually(I said usually don't scream at me here) virginal heroine is eager to find out about her passionate nature the scenes themself can vary but her specific wording of how the deeds go down can be repetitive from one book to the next. I still want to hear/read the story she has to tell. Others have told you the story of John & Emma. Emma spies on him in her efforts to save some of the locals from eviction and blackmails or offers an amusing contract to trade the rents for her sexual favours. Remember this though you do read her true thoughts or description of them she never truly intends to give him anything much. So those people who complained about the story not delivering on that were a little harsh I think there is quite a bit of sex or sex play in the book although I have read much more graphic books there is plenty in this book you have to remember he's contracted a virgin who is in over her head but her hormone are leading her down a path that could ruin her, but for her own curiosity and her willingness to help others the story is told. The story this time is about John, new Viscount and all around philander who arrives with a varitable house party of sex and debauchery to his newly inherited estate. Step in Emma the daughter of a vicar who is a little more curious about sex than she knows she should be so she sees the opportunity to help those less fortunate and explore some of these feelings. The story is funny at the beginning and tragic in others. I continue to repeat myself in regards to my rating this book left me wanting more and Cheryl Holt is very good at that she isn't an author to leave you with the Epilogue and that is my worst complaint there may be an answer at the end of the book, but no ending as to what happens. Is that enough to support my rating I don't know, I know I enjoyed the book and found myself sad that I didn't find out what happened to the illegitate brother Ian who witnessed the contract. I won't give away the story, but I wanted to know about him as well... I may be saying too many things that sound negative and they aren't truly meant that way. This review will be a little skewed because of my feelings about the book. I loved it, it tore at me at times for this couple and the fact that although fiction how messed up life truly is in that world of aristocrats where having an heir is more important than a good life. Where titles matter more than the people themselves. Emma was a heroine I adored even at her weak moments she was strong, brave and bolder than most goin

I have really enjoyed Cheryl Holt's books with the exception of Absolute Pleasure, her novel prior to Complete Abandon. Absolute Pleasure was average at best and disappointed me because I expect above average writing from Holt. But she is at her best once again with Complete Abandon and I was able to determine that within the first fifty pages of the book (and I'm not talking about the sensual scene from the first few pages).Viscount Wakefield, John Clayton, is one of those immoral heroes who is too wealthy for his own good. He isn't too pleased with the many responsibilities required of a viscount who owns numerous properties. He has spent years in decadent living - always partying, gambling, womanizing, and whatever else he can do to provide a thrill to his very tainted life - a life that is becoming quite boring. He visits one of his estates, Wakefield, and begins the tedious task of making the estate profitable once again. Fearing boredom, John has brought with him to Wakefield his mistress, brother, and a crowd of equally decadent revelers who are ever willing to accept John's immense hospitality.Emma is a heroine with a lot of zest, purpose, and down right audacity. She is the daughter of Wakefield's deceased vicar and is known to protect those she loves. The villagers petition Emma's assistance when many receive eviction notices from the newly arrived viscount. Emma is incensed when she realizes the eviction notices are directed to those retired, ill, or fatherless. She eagerly takes up the village's cause and tromps to the estate family's home to confront the viscount with his poor judgment, stingy inclinations, and downright villainous tendencies as he evicts the most needy from their homes. Emma has heard all of the horrible rumors about John Clayton's despicable behavior and it only makes her more determined to face him down and hammer some sense into him.John is having a fairly boring morning, complete with a boring sexual encounter with his mistress. This is the opening pages scene that has been commented on in many reviews. Afterwards, he is holding a rather boring informal business meeting with his brother when this unknown woman demands entrance to his home. His butler is unable to keep her out of the house and this stranger barges straight into John's library where he sits with his brother and his mistress. Well, John is one of those alpha males who always want to be in charge but, as a gentleman, he attempts to placate this furious, beautiful lady and get her out of his house. Soon John is speechless as he learns this vicar's daughter doesn't think too highly of him and is actually criticizing him! And insulting him - a lot! She is dictating to him about his duties and detailing his many failures. As he attempts to speak to Emma, she keeps up her tirade and refuses his efforts to dismiss her. So John, ever the devil viscount that he is, makes a rude and shocking proposition to her in exchange for his withdrawa

Don't be deceived by the hilarious beginning; this well-crafted book is hardly a comedy! Amazingly, Cheryl Holt plays with the reader's every emotion. She unwraps love, joy, sorrow, hate, and then throws in sexual prowling as an added bonus. Bravo Ms. Holt, what an exhilarating roller coaster ride through human endurance.John Clayton, Viscount Wakefield, suffers with the company of artificial friends - "hanger-ons." He is rich; they are pathetic. He is attractive; they are fascinated. He is influential; they are unimportant. He permits their company; they oblige him. So rests the worthless life of a self-centered viscount. Emma Fitzgerald, a deceased vicar's daughter, is astute, spirited, and extremely poor. What started as a humorous liaison, between these two mismatched people, quickly becomes a fragile bond. Sadly, their intimacy has no gratified future; Emma is far below Clayton's social view and position.Further enhancing her story, Cheryl Holt touches upon more human shortcomings. Rustling through the pages is John's offensive mistress, his tolerant fiancee, and his bastardly brother. Emma, too, has her life sharpened with a fresh, delightful sister, a vile admirer, and the daily issue of destitution. Oh what a twisted web the author has brilliantly woven. The novel's weak points: the lengthy deliberations, in and among key scenes, are distracting. Such pondering, by the characters, weakens the scene development. Additionally, the author did not soothe the Clayton brothers' relationship. Their future friendship was uncertain -- an unanswered curiosity. However, this confusion and use of sexual language, that at times, seemed too modern are insignificant objections. Cheryl Holt has written a creative story that captivates her reader's interest. Well done.

A scandalous observation leaves spinster Emma Fitzgerald with unfettered desire and outrageous daring. Rather than feeling appalled at witnessing a tryst between John Clayton, the new Viscount Wakefield, and his paramour, Emma longs to sample such risqué behavior. Unfortunately, she has arrived on a serious mission, as the Viscount has served eviction notices on many of her elderly and widowed neighbors, as well as her own family. Temporary distraction does not put her off from her purpose; rather, it prepares her.Under the prim, proper exterior of a vicar's daughter, Emma conceals passions to match John's. Her saucy daring and bodacious maneuverings captures his attention, promising an allure far beyond what John has shared with the jaded women of London. Moreover, John's attempts to protect while dissuading Emma fail miserably when she turns the situation to her advantage. Suddenly this bad boy realizes he has met his match in the most unexpected of ways.Cheryl Holt creates a searing tale of passion in COMPLETE ABANDON. Holt provides an amusing afternoon's read with vivid characterizations that spring to life. A study of complete opposites, Emma and John come together with unexecuted hilarity and outrageousness. Emma's sensual nature sparkles under this bad boy's touch. Remarkably, she does not attempt to tame his wayward ways; rather, she glories in both his strengths and in his flaws. John, however, has a lot to learn about women regardless of his varied experience if he wishes to ever keep the heart of this remarkable woman. Secondary characters likewise sparkle with Holt's characteristic style. Witty, daring and delightful, COMPLETE ABANDON comes very highly recommended.

You have to read Cheryl Holt's new book! As always it was great -I ended up not being able to put it down and read it in one day! Once again she has great secondary characters! I can't wait to read the next book - which I'm hoping will follow about Ian the and Caroline, John's ex-fiancee One of the things I love best about Cheryl's writing is that she knows how to create the perfect selfish and bad characters that make the book so much more interesting.