Like a vengeful Norse God, Captain John Nylander has come from the sea to steal the only home that Callie has ever known. And that might not be all he’s after. Can a Viking . . . Orphaned as a child, Nylander has never known a real home. Now he is ready to leave the dangers of his past behind and put down the roots he has always longed for. The only thing standing in his way is a lanky … standing in his way is a lanky aristocratic lady who is more at home on the farm than in the ballroom. And she has secrets . . .
And a Viscountess . . .
Callie, the Dowager Viscountess St. Alban, has poured all her energy into making Wyldcombe Grange her home. Managing an estate is not what she dreamed of, but her late husband’s rejection made it clear that love and a family would never be hers. Now she may lose even that to the sinfully handsome Captain. But Nylander is making her dream again . . .
Turn passion into love?
Nylander inspires a recklessness in Callie that she can’t control. Soon she finds herself conspiring with pirates and contemplating midnight trysts with the very Viking who has turned her life upside down. For Nylander, being with Callie embodies everything he’s always wanted–home. As midnight strikes, will all their secret, sinful dreams come true?
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This story is about so much more than romance, it is about the lack of self esteem no matter how gorgeous and talented you are in this world. While I did really like the romance part of the story (even teared up a bit at the end), I found that the story itself was so interesting and intriguing not only about coming to terms with self esteem issues but also the story of the Grange and the workings of the land and the people. I really liked this story.
I received a complimentary copy.
This was an interesting read with lovely characters from disparate backgrounds finding love and acceptance. The supporting characters such as Kip, Pierre and Jane were funny and interesting, but the villain left me scratching my head. Yes, he was a villain, but he thought he was doing right – well – right by villain standards anyway. I think that, in the end, I had more questions than answers – but I am a curious person so maybe that is why.
Lady Calpurnia Radclyffe, the Viscountess St. Alban knows she is not attractive nor desirable – after all, she’s been told that often enough throughout her life. Everybody seemed to get what they wanted from her marriage except her and now she is a widow and has been for the last two years. She remained at Wyldcombe Grange because she was determined to see it prosperous. She wants to live there and manage the estate forever. She seemed to have been dismissed and forgotten by the new Viscount – until she was summoned to London.
Captain John Nylander, of dubious parentage, was raised with Jake, the new Viscount St. Alban and they are still best friends. Jake knows of Nylander’s longing to have land of his own rather than constantly being at sea, so he plans to sell an unentailed property to John if he wants it. Nylander, because of his parentage, never feels he is good enough for any but the lowliest of individuals and he certainly doesn’t feel worthy of praise or love. So, although he has the looks of a god, he doesn’t feel that any woman could ever want him for himself.
When Nylander falls to the floor (before he can hear Jake’s offer), unconscious due to malaria, Jake orders Calpurnia to take Nylander to the Grange with her so he can heal. She decides to conceal Jake’s offer from Nylander because she wants to buy the Grange herself – even though she can’t afford it – it is £100,000, which is in the tens of millions in today’s £’s. Then, she makes a deal with the devil and the race is on!
The more time Calpurnia and Nylander spend together, the more they come to respect each other – and – even though neither recognizes or admits it – care for each other. Can they get past Calpurnia’s deceit and find their HEA? You’ll need to read the book to see all of the twists and turns they find on their journey.
The story had the full potential to be a 5-star read, but it just didn’t quite live up to that. First, I had to wonder how the pampered daughter of a merchant learned so much about running an estate AND performing all of the tasks on that estate even though they were very varied. She was raised to marry into the peerage and be a lady by all of the ton standards, so when, where and how did she learn all of that – it just isn’t probable. Nor was her manner of dress, speech, etc. Just not believable. Then – how did she contact the pirate so quickly after returning to the Grange – and then why did she have to ask how to contact him again? Confusing. Then, I had to wonder about women not being able to own property in that period – how was she going to own the Grange – and why wasn’t the new Viscount making arrangements for her care since he would now be responsible for her – and he was an honorable man.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
John Nylander, captain of the Fortuyn is back in London and set on attending a dinner at the home of his foster brother and friend Jakob Radclyffe, the Viscount St. Alban. He has a lot on his mind, including the fact that his ship was trailed by the infamous pirate ship the Free Reaver – he wishes he didn’t have to go to the dinner as he is not feeling well, but would never miss a chance to see Jake.
Calpurnia “Callie” Radclyffe has been summoned to London by Jake, she can’t imagine what he wants, she has been widowed for two years and has been living and running a St. Alban property known as Wyldcombe Grange since her marriage to the previous Viscount. When she arrives she is stunned to learn that Jake wants to sell the Grange to Nylander – she is furious and asks if she can purchase the property – for the staggering price of 100,000£! She doesn’t have the money, but has an idea and askes Jake to give her time to get the money. At this point, Nylander arrives and it is clear that Jake wants to sell to him, but he agrees to her terms. When a ruckus breaks out in the foyer, their meeting is cut short. When Callie and Nylander investigate, Nylander succumbs to his illness and passes out. Turns out it is a malaria flare up and he needs to be taken care of. Jake asks Callie to take him to the Grange to recuperate and to show him the property. She really has no choice but she has no intention of showing him anything.
His fever rages and she checks on him, he is awake and talking, she gets him a drink and helps him take off his shirt to bathes and fascinated by his tattoos, she returns later while he is sleeping for a closer look – he wakes and one thing leads to another. The next morning his fever has returned and she prays that he doesn’t remember their night together. They return to the Grange and she discovers he doesn’t know that Jake planned to sell him the land – she doesn’t enlighten him. She instead makes a deal with the devil that she immediately regrets to gain the monies needed to purchase the land herself. But as the days pass, it gets harder and harder to keep Nylander out of her life, she likes him and feels guilty, but the Grange is her hearts desire – the only place she has ever felt valued, she can’t give it up.
Nylander knows Callie is hiding something and when accidents start befalling the Grange – he has a pretty good idea who is responsible. When he learns that Jake intended to sell to him, he is hurt that Callie wasn’t honest with him, but understands in a way too – he too has insecurities and longs for a place of his own – is it possible they could both gets their hearts desire? Or will insecurities, miscommunication, betrayal tear them apart?
This was a good story, I haven’t read the previous books and did feel a little lost at the very beginning, but once they leave London (and the previous characters) behind, the story becomes easier to follow. It is a bit repetitious at times, with some title errors, inconsistencies and there are some moments where the story drags, but overall it is a good book with flawed characters, some twists/turns, a bit of angst, some amusing moments and some spicy love scenes. It is the third book in the series, but once Callie and Nylander’s story truly began, I didn’t have any problem following the story without having read the previous books.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me.*
This story had all of the components you would expect in a Regency novel. From the sweeping descriptions of London and Devonshire down to the descriptions of the Wyldcombe Grange estate and town. Callie’s character is a great deviation of typical stories set in this era. She is a widow, but she is managing the estate and comes across as a no nonsense strong woman. Nylander, a sea captain with an auspicious upbringing, finds himself in need of recuperation and is sent to the Grange with Callie. Nylander is a distraction that Callie did not expect or want. She has made a deal with the devil to obtain her goals and Nylander may be a different devil. As the two of them “dance” around their attraction, they both will do whatever is necessary to each obtain their end goals. Neither was looking for love, but love found its way to them.
“In this imperfect world, you’re just so perfect.” ~ Callie
4.25 stars
“Her Midnight Sin” by Sophie Darling is the third book in the ‘A Shadows and Silk novel’ series and centers around Lady Calpurnia (Callie) Radclyffe, the atypical Dowager Viscountess St. Alban, who is fighting to retain control of the estate that she has worked so hard to revive. Nylander, a sea captain who has overcome his harsh past, but has not quite realized his dreams, as nebulous as they might be, becomes her unwitting nemesis. He is fascinated by Callie, but each of them faces difficult decisions and hold secrets that will undoubtedly destroy any chance at a relationship unless they learn to trust one another.
This sensual historical romance has compelling characters who keep the reader rooting for them and anxiously hoping that things work out. The artful revelation of key turning points in each person’s background, the beautiful lyrical descriptions, and the surprising facets that are gradually revealed made this such an enjoyable read for me. Who can resist a woman who has the courage to exercise the way she wants to and dress for comfort, and what a swoonworthy hero who evokes images of Vikings and Thor. I love passages such as “It wouldn’t do to take those words inside. They might fill him with boundless joy.” or sun that “had a scant allotment of light and heat that it must portion out like a miser.” The combination of the beautiful word portraits and the delightfully romantic situations that arise kept me enthralled and invested in the story. There were a couple of elements that I had a few quibbles with, but nothing major. This is part of a series but the story can stand alone with no problem. I think this book will appeal to fans of historical romance and undoubtedly garner new fans for this talented author.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
Like a vengeful Norse god, Captain John Nylander has come from the sea to steal the only home that Callie has ever known. And that might not be all he’s after.
Orphaned as a child, Nylander has never known a real home. Now he is ready to leave the dangers of his past behind and put down the roots he has always longed for. The only thing standing in his way is a lanky aristocratic lady who is more at home in breeches and on the farm than in the ballroom.
Never considered a beauty Callie, the Dowager Viscountess St. Alban, has poured all her energy into making Wyldcombe Grange her home. Managing an estate is not what she dreamed of, but her late husband’s rejection made it clear that love and a family would never be hers.
Both of these people have secrets and wishes that coincide. Can they each get past their secrets or will they be the only stumbling block to their future together.
This convoluted tale takes the reader on an impossible journey. Both people want Wyldcombe Grange but only one can win or can they share this impossible dream?
This is the third book in this series. I missed out on book #1 but I did read and enjoy book #2. It isn’t necessary to read these books in order as they seem to all stand on their own. That is at least true with books 2 & 3.
I gave this book 4.45 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development. It just barely missed a higher rating for me but there were points that I just couldn’t get past.
This is a passionate tale with many physical encounters so be prepared for a great deal of intimacy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
I’ve read and liked a couple of this author’s previous books, so I happily dived in ….
This is the third book in the “silk and stockings” series. I hadn’t read the two previous books, and didn’t really think you needed to (although there is a connection between Nylander and the Viscount St.Alban)
Callie has never really known love and affection, her late husband made it clear that he found her repulsive and didn’t want children with her, so she had channeled all her love and energy into the grange (the home she has lived in for the past few years)
She has slowly turned it into a profitable asset.
But Callie doesn’t expect to be thrown out of her home, and it to be “given” to a friend and to a man that calls the sea his “home” it’s not fair, and in a moment of madness Callie announces she has money and she wants the time to buy her home from the Viscount.
Nylander only wants a home, and he’s jealous of any man that is given an opportunity to buy land. He hates London and all it stands for, but a man would be lucky to have land in the country. But being and orphan and of uncertain parentage Nylander knows that landowning won’t really be on the cards for him.
Callie and Nylander meet for the first time at the Viscount’s home ….. and it’s not a pleasant meeting (but Callie is hostile towards him as he will be taking her home, Nylander is bemused at her hostility, but not shocked, no one in society has ever had anything good to say to him.
Then things take a turn as Lysander collapses, he has malaria!! The Viscount asks Callie to take his friend back to the Grange to recuperate!!! The nerve of the man!!! But reluctantly she agrees…..
The story bounces along nicely, a few funny moments, lots of misunderstandings and a little intrigue.
In a society where woman are expected to stay home, Callie finds that she doesn’t fit. She prefers being out on the land, working the Grange and seeing the success of the fruits of her labor. When her husband dies, she continues to run the Grange and make it profitable but when the new Viscount wants to sell it, Callie sees her world crumbling. Where will she go? How will she fit in when all she loves is this land and the hope of having a family someday? Nylander dreams of owning his own land but society doesn’t make this easy so his life is on the seas. When he finds himself the guest of Callie on the Grange, he is captivated. He appreciates her passion and drive to take care of the land and follow her path no matter what society dictates. He finds himself in a similar situation. When he becomes the obstacle to all she desires, will he stand in the way even if it means giving up his own dream? I loved how this relationship built with a slow burn. There is a lot of distrust but each of them has dealt with difficult situations which make them wary. Yet, deep down they share a common bond as misfits, not fitting into society’s stricture. I really wasn’t sure they would find a way through all the challenges which became many along the way. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Calprunia Radclyffe Dowager Viscountess St. Alban thinks she doesn’t need a man to do anything for her since her husband didn’t even think she was worth being bothered with. She has come to London to make a deal with her husband brother but she finds things are not as simple as she assumed they would be and that the brother has something else in mind. While there she meets a Captain John Nylander a good friend of St. Alban’s and he falls down with Malaria and request that she take him back with her to the estate while he recovers, she is not happy about it but she does as requested. When the captain recovers he makes a decision that the Lady is not happy with. Love this story line of independence and a new found knowledge of oneself when the right man comes along even if society considers him the wrong type of man. Great characters. I was given an Advance Readers Copy from the author without obligation. I am providing an honest review.
An enjoyable story that pulls you in and makes you laugh. The coming together of a captain of a ship and a lady of the manor. They embark on an emotionally complex adventure of the soul and journey of self discovery. Memorable characters throughout. Sizzling moments in all the right places. The tale is fascinating and revealing to the end.
What a read! Callie and Nyderland will take you on a journey that will leave you breathless, frustrated, excited, scared but will also leave you happy and swooning.
Filled with exaggerated and unbelievable emotions.
I have read everyone of her books. Great historical romances
enjoyable Mills and Boone, romance.
This is a book about two unique characters, both carrying emotional baggage from their past. Though, they assume they’re not a good fit for each other, they are intensely drawn together like a magnet. Much more to the story and well worth reading.
Loved this book! Clever melding of English point of view with American colonies.
Witty, full of action with great character development
First time reading this author and it definitely will not be the last. Wonderful story and the characters (the nurse!). I liked that the story was sometimes funny then loving and then dramatic. Loved the minimal sarcasm from the Captain. I wish I could give ten stars!
Talk about recklessness, this woman does everything to keep her farm, but the one thing guaranteed to keep it. This story kept me amused as the twists and turns of this story took surprising turns. Callie and Nylander kept me on my toes, because I had to go back a chapter once or twice to see what I had missed. The characters are very well developed and come to life on the page.
Her Midnight Sin by Sofie Darling is well-deserving of 5 stars! This book is truly impeccable, Darling’ weaves such a beautiful tale of deep passion, love and lots of steam! The characters are just wonderful and Nylander would capture the heart of any woman! I truly loved this book and would highly recommend to all!
A young widow and a sea captain who have nothing socially in common except their need for a home. Callie, the Dowager Viscountess St. Alban does all she can to keep her home from being sold to Captain John Nylander, in the process they both found the one thing they never thought they would find. I loved reading Callie and Nylander’s story and look forward to reading more by this author.