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When Angels Fall
It was five years since Elizabeth Alcester had laid eyes on her former stable boy, Ivan Tramore . . . five years since her world had collapsed in devastating ruin around her. Now, penniless and desperate, she finds herself at the mercy of a cruel, ruthless stranger—a man who vows to possess her, whose hot searing caresses fan the flames of her darkest desires. Tramore had returned home in triumph—the unwanted bastard was now Lord Ivan, eleventh Marquis of Powerscourt—the most powerful man in London. Yet one woman had sworn to defy him . . . the proud beauty whose touch had branded him forever. But when at last he holds Lissa trembling in his merciless embrace, his lust for vengeance suddenly explodes in a frenzied fever of passion, and now no power on heaven or earth can tear him from the innocent arms that hold him captive, or protect her from the rapturous moment when angels fall.
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
68 people are currently reading
2106 people want to read
About the author
Meagan McKinney
71 books210 followersRuth Leslie Goodman Roberson (1961), well-known as Meagan McKinney gave up a thriving career as a biologist to become a full-time romance writer. She is author of over 20 critically acclaimed novels. Divorced, she lives with her two children in in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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October 14, 2011
Ugh!
Annoying but compulsive
Spoilers:
Lissa is the eldest child of the wealthy Alcester family.
As she grows up she is increasingly attracted to Ivan the illegitimate stable boy and when she was 16 years old she lets him kiss her but is frightened and some of the other servants have to pull Ivan off her. Later that night she strikes Ivan with her riding crop in frustration and permanently scars his face.
This happens in the backdrop of a family crisis involving her parents. It turns out that her mother has betrayed her father and her parents either killed themselves or her father killed her mother before committing suicide ( it's not clear). When her parents bodies are found, Ivan has already left and Lissa finds that her parents are in debt and almost everything must be sold.
Lissa's reputation is damaged as a result of the above and she is known in the village as Lusty Lissa and the villagers make it clear that they think she will turn out to be just like her mother.
5 years later the family is living in a cottage in straightened circumstances and dependant upon a pension from 'Aunt Sophie'.
In the interim Ivan , who was the bastard son of the Marquis of Powerscourt, has been legitimated and inherited.
The story starts with him telling his estate manager,Holland Jones, to have Powerscourt repaired within 4 weeks and to cancel the pension being sent to Miss Alcaster. From the outset it is made clear that he wants her destitute and in his power - just charming...
He returns to the village, he chases off all of Lissa's suitors by various Ruthless means, and makes it clear that he is looking for revenge against her and is seeking to break her. Lissa has a 19 yr old blind sister and a 7/8 yr old brother who are dependant upon her and she is desperate when the money from ' aunt sophie' stops and when she realises that he is destroying her marriage prospects while at the same time making it clear he does not intend to marry her and that he wants her for his mistress.
Her efforts to seek employment are beyond pathetic and in the most unrealistic scenario ever, she ends up working as his servant.
Somehow no one in the village finds out and likewise no one from her sphere of society discovers this , despite the fact that she is at Powerscourt everyday unchaperoned for weeks. Ugh!!!
The hero holds a ball. Lissa and her sister attend. This is almost immediately after he almost rapes her, so it is hard to see why she was so keen to go.
And of course, there is no dichotomy re the fact that one minute she's in the servant quarters and the next she's a guest at the ball...
Anyway, she gets upset at the ball and tries to leave. He chases after her, grabs her, knocks her to the ground etc to prevent her from leaving and takes her upstairs telling her that she has no choice and that the time has come. He seduces her , taking her 3 x despite her virginity and noticeably fails to propose. I really did not understand the heroine's surrender here and it's a complete mystery as to why she is not remotely worried about the consequences. She makes it home but in a state of dishabille and is caught by Holland Jones, estate Manage, who is her sister's fiancé.
Evie and Holland marry and go off on honeymoon. A not so nice friend comes round to visit and suggests that everyone is saying that she seduced Ivan and that maybe Lissa should take her self off to London. Of course, Lissa suspects that the friend may have an ulterior motive given that she has already declared that she wants to marry Ivan, but nonetheless she thinks this is a great idea despite the fact that she knows no one in London and has no money....
From this point on the heroine falls into the TSTL category.
She goes to London, gets robbed at the train station, ends up renting a room in a divey pseudo brothel in St Giles, she has to sell her belongings bit by bit whilst failing to gain employment, she runs away from Lady Antonia who tries to help her and returns to the dive, only to be accosted by Ivan. He realises that she has a fever but beds her then and there regardless - because he's such a gent!?!
Only after he's had his fun, does he remove her from the hovel and get her medical attention but he brings her to his house ( most improper) and clearly hopes to keep her trapped so that she has no choice but to be his mistress.
Lady Antonia arrives after a week or so when the h is starting to recover and takes her away to her home with a promise to launch her into society - this might be the first time that the heroine does the sensible thing and let's someone actually help her.
Ivan gets jealous of all Lissa's suitors. For some reason, still not clear to me, Lissa decides to go to visit Ivan in his town house ( as unmarried women do) and they have a further tumble on the floor.
Holland finds out about this and confronts Ivan who still refuses to confirm he will marry her. Holland takes Lissa away from London and back to the village.
Ivan follows and does eventually propose. Holland fears that Ivan intends to stand Lissa up at the altar. Lissa learns the truth about the extent of our hero's efforts to ensure her destitution and also forms this belief.
For some completely unknown reason it seems she does not speak to the hero at all for days prior to the wedding and so does not do anything to allay her fears. There is more angst and the book ends with her reluctantly going to the chapel in the expectation that he will not be there but when she finally sees him at the altar everything will be ok. The end.
This was one of those books where the heroine kept having arguments with the hero ( who she realised that she loved) but every time she opened her mouth she said the most appalling things. She calls him a bastard, she tells him that her rank puts her above him - it's just flabbergasting. I wanted to hit her.
What is worse is that is doesn't actually seem that she herself cares about these things but she knows he does and so she just says it to hurt him.
She also seems to go out of her way to put herself imperil - because? Who knows? Its such fun?
The hero is a stalker who seems to get off on bringing her down the social ladder and his efforts to ensure her destitution just make him pretty unlikeable. Also having sex with her when she was ill and vulnerable was a real turn off.
The ending was simply bizarre ; why did no one confront Ivan? Why did they not speak for days? Why are they all convinced that he will leave her at the altar? Why does the whole book end so abruptly the moment she sees him in the church?
This was one of those annoying angsty compelling reads that made me want to chuck it at the wall!
Annoying but compulsive
Spoilers:
Lissa is the eldest child of the wealthy Alcester family.
As she grows up she is increasingly attracted to Ivan the illegitimate stable boy and when she was 16 years old she lets him kiss her but is frightened and some of the other servants have to pull Ivan off her. Later that night she strikes Ivan with her riding crop in frustration and permanently scars his face.
This happens in the backdrop of a family crisis involving her parents. It turns out that her mother has betrayed her father and her parents either killed themselves or her father killed her mother before committing suicide ( it's not clear). When her parents bodies are found, Ivan has already left and Lissa finds that her parents are in debt and almost everything must be sold.
Lissa's reputation is damaged as a result of the above and she is known in the village as Lusty Lissa and the villagers make it clear that they think she will turn out to be just like her mother.
5 years later the family is living in a cottage in straightened circumstances and dependant upon a pension from 'Aunt Sophie'.
In the interim Ivan , who was the bastard son of the Marquis of Powerscourt, has been legitimated and inherited.
The story starts with him telling his estate manager,Holland Jones, to have Powerscourt repaired within 4 weeks and to cancel the pension being sent to Miss Alcaster. From the outset it is made clear that he wants her destitute and in his power - just charming...
He returns to the village, he chases off all of Lissa's suitors by various Ruthless means, and makes it clear that he is looking for revenge against her and is seeking to break her. Lissa has a 19 yr old blind sister and a 7/8 yr old brother who are dependant upon her and she is desperate when the money from ' aunt sophie' stops and when she realises that he is destroying her marriage prospects while at the same time making it clear he does not intend to marry her and that he wants her for his mistress.
Her efforts to seek employment are beyond pathetic and in the most unrealistic scenario ever, she ends up working as his servant.
Somehow no one in the village finds out and likewise no one from her sphere of society discovers this , despite the fact that she is at Powerscourt everyday unchaperoned for weeks. Ugh!!!
The hero holds a ball. Lissa and her sister attend. This is almost immediately after he almost rapes her, so it is hard to see why she was so keen to go.
And of course, there is no dichotomy re the fact that one minute she's in the servant quarters and the next she's a guest at the ball...
Anyway, she gets upset at the ball and tries to leave. He chases after her, grabs her, knocks her to the ground etc to prevent her from leaving and takes her upstairs telling her that she has no choice and that the time has come. He seduces her , taking her 3 x despite her virginity and noticeably fails to propose. I really did not understand the heroine's surrender here and it's a complete mystery as to why she is not remotely worried about the consequences. She makes it home but in a state of dishabille and is caught by Holland Jones, estate Manage, who is her sister's fiancé.
Evie and Holland marry and go off on honeymoon. A not so nice friend comes round to visit and suggests that everyone is saying that she seduced Ivan and that maybe Lissa should take her self off to London. Of course, Lissa suspects that the friend may have an ulterior motive given that she has already declared that she wants to marry Ivan, but nonetheless she thinks this is a great idea despite the fact that she knows no one in London and has no money....
From this point on the heroine falls into the TSTL category.
She goes to London, gets robbed at the train station, ends up renting a room in a divey pseudo brothel in St Giles, she has to sell her belongings bit by bit whilst failing to gain employment, she runs away from Lady Antonia who tries to help her and returns to the dive, only to be accosted by Ivan. He realises that she has a fever but beds her then and there regardless - because he's such a gent!?!
Only after he's had his fun, does he remove her from the hovel and get her medical attention but he brings her to his house ( most improper) and clearly hopes to keep her trapped so that she has no choice but to be his mistress.
Lady Antonia arrives after a week or so when the h is starting to recover and takes her away to her home with a promise to launch her into society - this might be the first time that the heroine does the sensible thing and let's someone actually help her.
Ivan gets jealous of all Lissa's suitors. For some reason, still not clear to me, Lissa decides to go to visit Ivan in his town house ( as unmarried women do) and they have a further tumble on the floor.
Holland finds out about this and confronts Ivan who still refuses to confirm he will marry her. Holland takes Lissa away from London and back to the village.
Ivan follows and does eventually propose. Holland fears that Ivan intends to stand Lissa up at the altar. Lissa learns the truth about the extent of our hero's efforts to ensure her destitution and also forms this belief.
For some completely unknown reason it seems she does not speak to the hero at all for days prior to the wedding and so does not do anything to allay her fears. There is more angst and the book ends with her reluctantly going to the chapel in the expectation that he will not be there but when she finally sees him at the altar everything will be ok. The end.
This was one of those books where the heroine kept having arguments with the hero ( who she realised that she loved) but every time she opened her mouth she said the most appalling things. She calls him a bastard, she tells him that her rank puts her above him - it's just flabbergasting. I wanted to hit her.
What is worse is that is doesn't actually seem that she herself cares about these things but she knows he does and so she just says it to hurt him.
She also seems to go out of her way to put herself imperil - because? Who knows? Its such fun?
The hero is a stalker who seems to get off on bringing her down the social ladder and his efforts to ensure her destitution just make him pretty unlikeable. Also having sex with her when she was ill and vulnerable was a real turn off.
The ending was simply bizarre ; why did no one confront Ivan? Why did they not speak for days? Why are they all convinced that he will leave her at the altar? Why does the whole book end so abruptly the moment she sees him in the church?
This was one of those annoying angsty compelling reads that made me want to chuck it at the wall!
November 22, 2020
Sometimes there are some hidden gems that is right under our noses and we don't recognize it. I've seen When Angels Fall on my feed so many times and ignored it, I could have downloaded it just because, which I usually do. I'm glad I stuck to this book this time and had an amazing time. Liones and Laces is on my radar.
This book has cold-hero who was once a poor boy turned rich, and a sensible heroine who was rich but turned poor. This story is based on revenge plot. I enjoyed this trope and the writing was amazing for it flowed smoothly and the story went at it's perfect pace.
Ivan Comeragh Tramore, was a bastard born, coldly neglected and mistreated by his father. He worked as a stable boy for the Alcesters. A squabble left an imprint on his face and a few hurtful choices of words were exchanged. He left and didn't look back.
Elizabeth (Lissa) Victorine Alcester, was once a wealthy lady. Her parents were loving but less mindful of Lizza and her siblings and are always away. When she was about to be presented to the society she wanted to catch the attention of the stable boy she was infatuated instead she ended up making a fool of herself. One day her parents came back and they bring sorrow and disgrace which turned Lissa's life in hardships.
Five years later, Lizza is taking care of her 19-year-old blind sister and 9-year-old brother living under pension of a mysterious aunt. Her mother's infidelity has brought woes on the siblings especially Lizza for she has taken in appearance like her mother and is expected to be like her.
Ivan is now the a marquis who came into his father's inheritance since he was the only living heir. He is back now for revenge from Lissa. Now their positions are reversed and his obsession has turned beyond for he keeps turning into Lissa's path and turns away any suitors she has. He manipulates her and stops any opportunity she gets to help her siblings without taking his help.
The relationship is hot and cold between the hero and the heroine. Ivan is pushy most of the times and to my account Lissa pushes back too. Lissa's trip to London and searching a position for governess seemed immature. But I guess we can sometimes stray from our own strict discipline. Ivan is broody and mysterious. I love their scenes together. It was hot. The push and pull between them and hurting each other was mostly because of miscommunication. I love how the story ended. I highly recommend this victorian historical romance.
This book has cold-hero who was once a poor boy turned rich, and a sensible heroine who was rich but turned poor. This story is based on revenge plot. I enjoyed this trope and the writing was amazing for it flowed smoothly and the story went at it's perfect pace.
Ivan Comeragh Tramore, was a bastard born, coldly neglected and mistreated by his father. He worked as a stable boy for the Alcesters. A squabble left an imprint on his face and a few hurtful choices of words were exchanged. He left and didn't look back.
Elizabeth (Lissa) Victorine Alcester, was once a wealthy lady. Her parents were loving but less mindful of Lizza and her siblings and are always away. When she was about to be presented to the society she wanted to catch the attention of the stable boy she was infatuated instead she ended up making a fool of herself. One day her parents came back and they bring sorrow and disgrace which turned Lissa's life in hardships.
Five years later, Lizza is taking care of her 19-year-old blind sister and 9-year-old brother living under pension of a mysterious aunt. Her mother's infidelity has brought woes on the siblings especially Lizza for she has taken in appearance like her mother and is expected to be like her.
Ivan is now the a marquis who came into his father's inheritance since he was the only living heir. He is back now for revenge from Lissa. Now their positions are reversed and his obsession has turned beyond for he keeps turning into Lissa's path and turns away any suitors she has. He manipulates her and stops any opportunity she gets to help her siblings without taking his help.
The relationship is hot and cold between the hero and the heroine. Ivan is pushy most of the times and to my account Lissa pushes back too. Lissa's trip to London and searching a position for governess seemed immature. But I guess we can sometimes stray from our own strict discipline. Ivan is broody and mysterious. I love their scenes together. It was hot. The push and pull between them and hurting each other was mostly because of miscommunication. I love how the story ended. I highly recommend this victorian historical romance.
April 26, 2019
"When Angels Fall" is the story of Lissa and Ivan.
Oh my! I can't even.. AMAZING.
Genuinely, one of the best historicals I have ever read.
The story is like a beautiful concoction of Again the Magic by Lisa Kleypas, and Succumb to me by Julia Keaton.
Two lovers, separated by society and their inhibitions meet again five years later, when their finances and fates have reversed, and realize they can never let go of the fever that is the other.
They meet when he's a stable boy, and she's the daughter of the owner. He burns like the fire in her soul, but their tender love is doomed, and ends in a traumatizing scarring..
They reunite when she's disgraced and destitute, and he's the illegitimate marquis. Soon he weasels his way into her crumbling life, warding off all suitors and soon her worries. But she fights back, albeit in vain, until their love culminates in a passionate embrace.
Very, very angsty and intriguing love story with LOADS of ardour, obsession, pain, love, jealousy, possession, heartbreak, sex, tragedy, scars and ultimate salvation. The lead couple was vehemently spirited, but could never let go of their insane love and need for each other. They had many roadblocks, but conquered them all in this uber zealous journey.
Genuinely, I sobbed like a bebe and smiled like a idiot while reading this. FAAAB!
Unsafe
5/5
Oh my! I can't even.. AMAZING.
Genuinely, one of the best historicals I have ever read.
The story is like a beautiful concoction of Again the Magic by Lisa Kleypas, and Succumb to me by Julia Keaton.
Two lovers, separated by society and their inhibitions meet again five years later, when their finances and fates have reversed, and realize they can never let go of the fever that is the other.
They meet when he's a stable boy, and she's the daughter of the owner. He burns like the fire in her soul, but their tender love is doomed, and ends in a traumatizing scarring..
They reunite when she's disgraced and destitute, and he's the illegitimate marquis. Soon he weasels his way into her crumbling life, warding off all suitors and soon her worries. But she fights back, albeit in vain, until their love culminates in a passionate embrace.
Very, very angsty and intriguing love story with LOADS of ardour, obsession, pain, love, jealousy, possession, heartbreak, sex, tragedy, scars and ultimate salvation. The lead couple was vehemently spirited, but could never let go of their insane love and need for each other. They had many roadblocks, but conquered them all in this uber zealous journey.
Genuinely, I sobbed like a bebe and smiled like a idiot while reading this. FAAAB!
Unsafe
5/5
November 8, 2017
I loved this ! Ivan the H is HOT ! His obsession with the heroine is simultaneously sexy and slightly disturbing. The former poor boy grows up to inherit his father's title and wealth but still cannot get the heroine out of his heart and his mind. The heroine is such a beautiful human being - outwardly and inwardly. She takes care of her blind sister and her baby brother. When her income - which had been supplied on a periodic basis by Ivan over the last couple years - is cut off, she has no other alternative but to try and marry a rich man because she really wants her brother to attend Eton. She doesn't know that Ivan had been sending her the money; she thought it had been a distant aunt, who was now dead.
Ivan, out of sheer jealous possessiveness of course, interferes with her efforts to find a husband and he gets rid of every suitor. In spite of this, he continues to deny that he feels anything other than sexual desire for her. They eventually have sex and things may have worked out except for the jealous machinations of a wannabe OW. This OW acts as a supposed best friend to the heroine and manipulates her into leaving, by telling her that Ivan is going to propose to her (the OW). The heroine feels so depressed because she is in love with Ivan, but she leaves because her sister is married and her baby brother is safely away at Eton.
The H and h are eventually reunited and Ivan is tormented with jealousy because he cannot bear to see her marry another suitor. However, after an intense short separation the lovers are finally able to have their HEA.
Ivan, out of sheer jealous possessiveness of course, interferes with her efforts to find a husband and he gets rid of every suitor. In spite of this, he continues to deny that he feels anything other than sexual desire for her. They eventually have sex and things may have worked out except for the jealous machinations of a wannabe OW. This OW acts as a supposed best friend to the heroine and manipulates her into leaving, by telling her that Ivan is going to propose to her (the OW). The heroine feels so depressed because she is in love with Ivan, but she leaves because her sister is married and her baby brother is safely away at Eton.
The H and h are eventually reunited and Ivan is tormented with jealousy because he cannot bear to see her marry another suitor. However, after an intense short separation the lovers are finally able to have their HEA.
May 10, 2024
A love story about two very traumatized people. I adored Ivan but Lissa made me want to throw my book at the wall.
Buddy read with Dana !
Buddy read with Dana !
June 4, 2020
One of my favourite trope is when the hero becomes a highly rich man from being a poor stableman, and in that mixing together with the thirst of revenge made me scared shitless when i opened this book. There is so much tension and consuming angst that i ACTUALLY had to take a paus from this book for two weeks (WHICH IS SO NOT LIKE ME)!
My very first book by Meagan McKinney, i easily realized why she is so popular among Bodice-Ripper fans. She writes with such an easy but sophisticated flow that "When Angels Fall" was a very fast-paced read for me.
Once the unwanted bastard Ivan Tramore now has become Lord Ivan, eleventh Marquis of Powerscourt--the most powerful man in London. With a bit of manipulations and deceptions on the score he wishes to direct a sworn vengeance to the one woman he has ever loved, the spirited Elizabeth Alcester. Like Elizabeth mentions..they were born to destroy each other...But they were both humans whose souls cried out for each other.
Elizabeth "Lissa" were a remarkable heroine to me. Her strength and stubborness fascinated me,and the way she took care of her siblings was really admirable. I was so glad for her blind sister Evvie to find true love in Ivan`s manager Holland-they were such a cute couple! But Elizabeths flaming romance with Ivan was all OH SO HOT that i felt that my eyes burned sometimes. Just WOW their sexual chemistry was way OVER the pages and it left me yearning for more. I also somehow like it that she becomes friends with Ivan`s former lover, and that OW was no bitch at all, but a very wonderful woman to her. She was at Lissa`s side the whole time and even persuaded her that Ivan truly loves her.
Ivan Oh Ivan- What a man! He scared many characters in this story..and yeah me too. When he from the beginning of the book stares mesmerized at a painting of Lissa, i knew that his obsession for her cut more deeply and dangerously as anything else. He was such a wicked brute that i sometimes laughed at his attempts at infuriating Lissa. And the hilarious way Lissa made him furious with jealousy in the end made me giggle as hell, Oh but i loved it when he finally lost his cool facade. This man`s heart was breaking with rage every time he saw her and she wasn`t his. I am glad that this tortured hero got his woman at the end...that they both FINALLY got their HEA!
There were some unanswered questions, and i wonder more about the reasons behind Ivan`s thirst for revenge towards Lissa. I also wish there were an epiluge, but this one is a standalone and also awfully REALLY GREAT written and the plot-line and romance got me hooked to the end.
My very first book by Meagan McKinney, i easily realized why she is so popular among Bodice-Ripper fans. She writes with such an easy but sophisticated flow that "When Angels Fall" was a very fast-paced read for me.
Once the unwanted bastard Ivan Tramore now has become Lord Ivan, eleventh Marquis of Powerscourt--the most powerful man in London. With a bit of manipulations and deceptions on the score he wishes to direct a sworn vengeance to the one woman he has ever loved, the spirited Elizabeth Alcester. Like Elizabeth mentions..they were born to destroy each other...But they were both humans whose souls cried out for each other.
Elizabeth "Lissa" were a remarkable heroine to me. Her strength and stubborness fascinated me,and the way she took care of her siblings was really admirable. I was so glad for her blind sister Evvie to find true love in Ivan`s manager Holland-they were such a cute couple! But Elizabeths flaming romance with Ivan was all OH SO HOT that i felt that my eyes burned sometimes. Just WOW their sexual chemistry was way OVER the pages and it left me yearning for more. I also somehow like it that she becomes friends with Ivan`s former lover, and that OW was no bitch at all, but a very wonderful woman to her. She was at Lissa`s side the whole time and even persuaded her that Ivan truly loves her.
Ivan Oh Ivan- What a man! He scared many characters in this story..and yeah me too. When he from the beginning of the book stares mesmerized at a painting of Lissa, i knew that his obsession for her cut more deeply and dangerously as anything else. He was such a wicked brute that i sometimes laughed at his attempts at infuriating Lissa. And the hilarious way Lissa made him furious with jealousy in the end made me giggle as hell, Oh but i loved it when he finally lost his cool facade. This man`s heart was breaking with rage every time he saw her and she wasn`t his. I am glad that this tortured hero got his woman at the end...that they both FINALLY got their HEA!
There were some unanswered questions, and i wonder more about the reasons behind Ivan`s thirst for revenge towards Lissa. I also wish there were an epiluge, but this one is a standalone and also awfully REALLY GREAT written and the plot-line and romance got me hooked to the end.
January 6, 2012
Ivan Tramore has a chip on his shoulder and now that he's the newly christened Marquis of Powerscourt he intends to go back to his country home and make those who made his lives hell regret their very existence. Included in this group is the beautiful Elizabeth Alcester, a formerly entitled woman who has fallen on hard times. Barely making ends meet, Lissa is determined to marry so she can fully support her younger sister and brother. When news of the return of her childhood crush reaches her ears, she panics. Why, you ask? Because she knows he has a viscous streak, and she knows she's more than likely on his sh*t list.
The majority of this book is a constant black (typo and its stays)-and-forth between Ivan and Lissa: I want you but you hate me. I hate you yet I lust for you. I'm not worthy of love. This book is so unbelievably frustrating I wanted to tear my hair out. My poor bald spot. Ivan is such a looming, Gothic monstrosity of a character that its obvious he's got some redemption coming his way - please god please - and Lissa is the one that is destined to deliver it. The problem is that Lissa is more or less like a fart in the wind: poof and she's dissolved. When she finally does grow a pair she nearly castrates herself in her doubt of Ivan's redemption, which completely undermines the whole book, no? No?!
Oye. The hubs can attest to the amount of times he caught the twisted expression on my face while reading this book, a countenance of intrigue and disbelief. I finished When Angels Fall because I wanted to see these two get their crap in order, and they Just. Barely. I'd categorize this as a Gothic read, what with the dark and controlling hero and his old castle. And our pushover heroine. But the only ghosts in this story is the righteous indignation carried on its characters shoulders from by-gone days. Regardless, I'm glad I read this. It was fun, in it's own "oh NO they di'nt!" kind of way.
The majority of this book is a constant black (typo and its stays)-and-forth between Ivan and Lissa: I want you but you hate me. I hate you yet I lust for you. I'm not worthy of love. This book is so unbelievably frustrating I wanted to tear my hair out. My poor bald spot. Ivan is such a looming, Gothic monstrosity of a character that its obvious he's got some redemption coming his way - please god please - and Lissa is the one that is destined to deliver it. The problem is that Lissa is more or less like a fart in the wind: poof and she's dissolved. When she finally does grow a pair she nearly castrates herself in her doubt of Ivan's redemption, which completely undermines the whole book, no? No?!
Oye. The hubs can attest to the amount of times he caught the twisted expression on my face while reading this book, a countenance of intrigue and disbelief. I finished When Angels Fall because I wanted to see these two get their crap in order, and they Just. Barely. I'd categorize this as a Gothic read, what with the dark and controlling hero and his old castle. And our pushover heroine. But the only ghosts in this story is the righteous indignation carried on its characters shoulders from by-gone days. Regardless, I'm glad I read this. It was fun, in it's own "oh NO they di'nt!" kind of way.
March 2, 2016
Meagan McKinney has written one of my all time favorite romance novels. I re-read that book often and always, always finish the book with a heart full of emotions. I love that book to pieces. I will say it again and again.
That being said, none of her other books has proved to be of the same caliber. Not those that I have read, at least. When Angels Fall is such a mish-mash of nothingness. A stable boy and lady of the manor, I love a working man with a lady kind of story. I have much more respect for men who have earned their own places in the world. I thought this was a sure win. Alas, it fell not only short, but way short of my expectations.
Said stable boy Ivan was actually not a stable boy. He became lord and came to inherit the castle where said lady Elizabeth grew up. As young adults (teens) they had a thing. Ivan was extremely attracted to Elizabeth and "made his move", so to speak one day. Elizabeth also liked Ivan, but she freaked out and turned on Ivan after they shared a passionate kiss. Ivan went away and Elizabeth never married. They met again when they were both adults. Now positions reversed, Ivan was the lord and Elizabeth the poor woman who had to marry soon to support herself and her siblings.
It all sounds ok until you actually read the book. Elizabeth did not know her own mind. That was annoying enough. Then Ivan, oh Ivan, this name made me think of Ivan the idiot. I can't help it. Ivan is a name I wouldn't even wish on my worst enemy. The interactions between Ivan and Elizabeth seemed forced and did not create a romantic relationship. I couldn't feel that they were attracted to each other at all. We see often couples at odds with each other in romance novels. This is nothing new, but somehow the writer must show us how they found a way to reconciliation and forgiveness. This, did not happen in this book.
The writing was fine. Meagan McKinney is a good writer but the plots leave much to be desired in this book.
That being said, none of her other books has proved to be of the same caliber. Not those that I have read, at least. When Angels Fall is such a mish-mash of nothingness. A stable boy and lady of the manor, I love a working man with a lady kind of story. I have much more respect for men who have earned their own places in the world. I thought this was a sure win. Alas, it fell not only short, but way short of my expectations.
Said stable boy Ivan was actually not a stable boy. He became lord and came to inherit the castle where said lady Elizabeth grew up. As young adults (teens) they had a thing. Ivan was extremely attracted to Elizabeth and "made his move", so to speak one day. Elizabeth also liked Ivan, but she freaked out and turned on Ivan after they shared a passionate kiss. Ivan went away and Elizabeth never married. They met again when they were both adults. Now positions reversed, Ivan was the lord and Elizabeth the poor woman who had to marry soon to support herself and her siblings.
It all sounds ok until you actually read the book. Elizabeth did not know her own mind. That was annoying enough. Then Ivan, oh Ivan, this name made me think of Ivan the idiot. I can't help it. Ivan is a name I wouldn't even wish on my worst enemy. The interactions between Ivan and Elizabeth seemed forced and did not create a romantic relationship. I couldn't feel that they were attracted to each other at all. We see often couples at odds with each other in romance novels. This is nothing new, but somehow the writer must show us how they found a way to reconciliation and forgiveness. This, did not happen in this book.
The writing was fine. Meagan McKinney is a good writer but the plots leave much to be desired in this book.
February 12, 2025
It's been a minute since I've been this close to handing out a 5-star rating. Like, seriously, I think my review-writing muscles were starting to atrophy from lack of use. This book? A rollercoaster. From page one, I was strapped in and holding on for dear life. Angst? Check. Emotions? Double-check. Tears? Yeah, a few may have escaped. (Don't judge me!)
The story just grabbed me and didn't let go. One POV, which, honestly, usually bugs me. I'm nosy! I want to know what the hero's thinking! And this dude? A tough nut to crack. I spent half the book yelling at him in my head. Which brings me to my one tiny complaint: NO GROVELING. Seriously, author, where was the groveling? I needed some serious groveling. Hence the docked point.
But the heroine? Total doll. I loved her. And her family's backstory? Tragic. Just heartbreaking. I was so invested in their lives, I honestly wished the book was twice as long. Which makes the ending… a tad abrupt. I needed more! I wanted to know what happened next! I'm emotionally invested now, author! Give me more!
So, yeah. Go read this book. Just be prepared for a feels trip. And maybe keep some tissues handy. And author, if you're reading this: WHERE WAS THE GROVELING?!
The story just grabbed me and didn't let go. One POV, which, honestly, usually bugs me. I'm nosy! I want to know what the hero's thinking! And this dude? A tough nut to crack. I spent half the book yelling at him in my head. Which brings me to my one tiny complaint: NO GROVELING. Seriously, author, where was the groveling? I needed some serious groveling. Hence the docked point.
But the heroine? Total doll. I loved her. And her family's backstory? Tragic. Just heartbreaking. I was so invested in their lives, I honestly wished the book was twice as long. Which makes the ending… a tad abrupt. I needed more! I wanted to know what happened next! I'm emotionally invested now, author! Give me more!
So, yeah. Go read this book. Just be prepared for a feels trip. And maybe keep some tissues handy. And author, if you're reading this: WHERE WAS THE GROVELING?!
January 8, 2021
Why yes, I DID feel like being destroyed by a romance. Thank you for asking.
December 16, 2024
This book started out amazing. The prologue and first few chapters made promises of big angst and drama and while the book did deliver on those accounts, I feel like the author never got around to resolving the conflict between the two MCs. Those nut jobs spent practically the entire book in this whole 'I hate you but I love you' dynamic that not only grew tiresome, but seemed misplaced based on plot events.
The main characters never really grew throughout the story. Ivan is supposed to be terrible (the author even references 'Ivan the Terrible') and Lissa is supposed to be the most beautiful woman to walk the earth (she has a decent personality but that's second to her looks based on the writing). There were bits of insight into the thoughts and feelings of Ivan, but for the most part, we only get Lissa's point of view and that grew tiresome. The heroine was obviously a loving and capable sister and took care of her younger siblings but she was pathetically indecisive with the hero and had a few too many TSTL moments.
I could have let a lot of that go had the ending wrapped up everything nicely but it totally didn't.
It ended way too abruptly and without any stuff truly resolved.
Overall, I dug the energy of the book, but not the execution. I recommend reading this book if you are a fan of drama, but be prepared to be irritated.
The main characters never really grew throughout the story. Ivan is supposed to be terrible (the author even references 'Ivan the Terrible') and Lissa is supposed to be the most beautiful woman to walk the earth (she has a decent personality but that's second to her looks based on the writing). There were bits of insight into the thoughts and feelings of Ivan, but for the most part, we only get Lissa's point of view and that grew tiresome. The heroine was obviously a loving and capable sister and took care of her younger siblings but she was pathetically indecisive with the hero and had a few too many TSTL moments.
I could have let a lot of that go had the ending wrapped up everything nicely but it totally didn't.
It ended way too abruptly and without any stuff truly resolved.
Overall, I dug the energy of the book, but not the execution. I recommend reading this book if you are a fan of drama, but be prepared to be irritated.
August 16, 2020
This didn't work for me. Ivan, the bastard heir of the local Marquess, grew up working as a stablehand for Lissa's family. Ivan is finally allowed to inhabit the family castle after a fallow period stipulated in his father's will meant as a last F-U to him, and Ivan is intent on wreaking revenge on the local townspeople through Lissa. When Angels Fall is a gothic read featuring an asshole hero. Sounds good, right?
My main problems with When Angels Fall:
1. Lissa loved Ivan ever since she was a teenager because it clearly didn't matter whether Ivan was a stableboy or a marquess
We gradually find out that Lissa in her youth loved Ivan so much to the point that she once cried to him, asking him why he doesn't find her pretty. (Really, girl...) There is no mention at all of the differences in their class stations except for when Lissa is trying to insult him. It doesn't matter to Lissa that he grew up as a stableboy, and I find that completely unrealistic. If you were gentry that married the merchant class, that was considered a progressive match.
It would have added to Lissa's character if she had some inner turmoil about her relationship with Ivan and that would have also added some credibility to Ivan's revenge plot. However, Lissa's mental energy is spent wondering if she is a harlot like her mom. I can't stand heroines who beat themselves up about this stuff, letting the question, "Am I a harlot like everyone says I am" paralyze her from life, especially when the question is so stupid because it's obviously not the case. And oh, neither was her mom. Let's just leave this tired and boring trope behind.
This was a major problem because it meant I did not connect with the couple. I did not know why Lissa and Ivan liked each other. I think it's because they had the hots for each other? And I'm perfectly fine with love at first sight/obsessive love motivations but I didn't feel the "why" of their relationship. Teresa Denys' The Flesh and the Devil is an excellent example of obsessive love at first sight between a titled lady and a mercenary servant. Hey he even has a scar too!
2. The motivation for vengeance doesn't make sense and the execution of it is bad
If Lissa loves him so much, what screwed it all up? If you were expecting a betrayal that makes sense, don't hold your breath. It turns out This is just the worst big misunderstanding. Also, it gets dragged out for the whole story.
Meanwhile, Ivan exacts his vengeance by getting rid of Lissa's suitors so she has to apply for a position at the castle as his servant. At no point during their cat-and-mouse game is it clear why he's doing this to her. We just hear it said he wants revenge and he can't take revenge on the rest of the town so he is doing it to her. But what did the townspeople do besides treat him as a stableboy? It doesn't even sound like they bullied him as a stableboy but that because he had to work as one when he was the bastard heir to the Marquess, it messed him up. I needed more into why Ivan was so butthurt and so butthurt against Lissa.
3. wtf ending?
Let me just say that if the last scene is the heroine worried the hero will ditch her at the altar, that does not scream happily ever after, especially when the hero didn't even properly grovel.
My main problems with When Angels Fall:
1. Lissa loved Ivan ever since she was a teenager because it clearly didn't matter whether Ivan was a stableboy or a marquess
We gradually find out that Lissa in her youth loved Ivan so much to the point that she once cried to him, asking him why he doesn't find her pretty. (Really, girl...) There is no mention at all of the differences in their class stations except for when Lissa is trying to insult him. It doesn't matter to Lissa that he grew up as a stableboy, and I find that completely unrealistic. If you were gentry that married the merchant class, that was considered a progressive match.
It would have added to Lissa's character if she had some inner turmoil about her relationship with Ivan and that would have also added some credibility to Ivan's revenge plot. However, Lissa's mental energy is spent wondering if she is a harlot like her mom. I can't stand heroines who beat themselves up about this stuff, letting the question, "Am I a harlot like everyone says I am" paralyze her from life, especially when the question is so stupid because it's obviously not the case. And oh, neither was her mom. Let's just leave this tired and boring trope behind.
This was a major problem because it meant I did not connect with the couple. I did not know why Lissa and Ivan liked each other. I think it's because they had the hots for each other? And I'm perfectly fine with love at first sight/obsessive love motivations but I didn't feel the "why" of their relationship. Teresa Denys' The Flesh and the Devil is an excellent example of obsessive love at first sight between a titled lady and a mercenary servant. Hey he even has a scar too!
2. The motivation for vengeance doesn't make sense and the execution of it is bad
If Lissa loves him so much, what screwed it all up? If you were expecting a betrayal that makes sense, don't hold your breath. It turns out This is just the worst big misunderstanding. Also, it gets dragged out for the whole story.
Meanwhile, Ivan exacts his vengeance by getting rid of Lissa's suitors so she has to apply for a position at the castle as his servant. At no point during their cat-and-mouse game is it clear why he's doing this to her. We just hear it said he wants revenge and he can't take revenge on the rest of the town so he is doing it to her. But what did the townspeople do besides treat him as a stableboy? It doesn't even sound like they bullied him as a stableboy but that because he had to work as one when he was the bastard heir to the Marquess, it messed him up. I needed more into why Ivan was so butthurt and so butthurt against Lissa.
3. wtf ending?
Let me just say that if the last scene is the heroine worried the hero will ditch her at the altar, that does not scream happily ever after, especially when the hero didn't even properly grovel.
August 27, 2020
Ivan Tramore the illegitimate offspring of a nobleman, was denied and kicked out by his father. Working as a stable boy at the nearby estate of Elizabeth (Lissa) Alcester's family, the two blazed from the get go, misunderstandings and stupidity also occur from the get go.
Lissa's and Ivan's roles have now reversed, Lissa and her siblings no longer have the security of the wealth their family had, and many in the village scorn Lissa for the mistakes of her mother. In contrast, Ivan now Lord Iva, eleventh Marquis of Powerscourt, holds the titles his father never wanted him to have, uber wealthy and the toast of London he has returned hellbent on having Lissa in his bed.
An entertaining one time read, even if I rolled by eyes a lot and both MCs needed a shake, this book has tons of angst.
The reason for Ivan's actions/revenge when it came to the Lissa didn't make sense, and was rather stupid, that being said I couldn't stop reading. The two spend most of the book desiring but hating each other, and even when Lissa realises she loves him she says a fair few things that are anything but loving. Their first sexual encounter could be viewed as being .
After awhile I did want to shake some sense into both MCs.
The scene at the end was just bizarre,
Lissa's and Ivan's roles have now reversed, Lissa and her siblings no longer have the security of the wealth their family had, and many in the village scorn Lissa for the mistakes of her mother. In contrast, Ivan now Lord Iva, eleventh Marquis of Powerscourt, holds the titles his father never wanted him to have, uber wealthy and the toast of London he has returned hellbent on having Lissa in his bed.
An entertaining one time read, even if I rolled by eyes a lot and both MCs needed a shake, this book has tons of angst.
The reason for Ivan's actions/revenge when it came to the Lissa didn't make sense, and was rather stupid, that being said I couldn't stop reading. The two spend most of the book desiring but hating each other, and even when Lissa realises she loves him she says a fair few things that are anything but loving. Their first sexual encounter could be viewed as being .
After awhile I did want to shake some sense into both MCs.
The scene at the end was just bizarre,
March 26, 2018
This was a very light and whimsical read for me. For romance itself, with specific boundaries set to make its clear distinction from a bodice-ripper, it was damn good read, all in all.
When Angels Fall was a painless, cherubic romance, sporting a full complement of caramel sentiment and endless infatuation by the One That Got Away. There was a great deal of past involvement & years for their affection to grow and ultimately, their love was believable. H/hs with actual history and background, seem to win my heart and approval, far more than the 'met you on the street and luzz you forever, bb' trope. If two meet and life happens everyday; they get separated, but eventually(through months + years of longing) return to seek fruition of said love, I can also appreciate that hard-won HEA. There's something intangibly sweet and effervescent about childhood loves turned enemies. I think it's the passion and familiarity involved through ingrained memory; almost as if they're already a family in a sense, albeit extremely fragmented. I recommend it for more romance/love than bodicerippery goodness.
When Angels Fall was a painless, cherubic romance, sporting a full complement of caramel sentiment and endless infatuation by the One That Got Away. There was a great deal of past involvement & years for their affection to grow and ultimately, their love was believable. H/hs with actual history and background, seem to win my heart and approval, far more than the 'met you on the street and luzz you forever, bb' trope. If two meet and life happens everyday; they get separated, but eventually(through months + years of longing) return to seek fruition of said love, I can also appreciate that hard-won HEA. There's something intangibly sweet and effervescent about childhood loves turned enemies. I think it's the passion and familiarity involved through ingrained memory; almost as if they're already a family in a sense, albeit extremely fragmented. I recommend it for more romance/love than bodicerippery goodness.
September 11, 2023
I'm not sure how many more times my brain can take me re-reading this book. It's so emotionally damaging and yet all I can think after I read it is..."well gonna have to read this again in 6 months"
Original review:
I can never write decent reviews for my favorite books. SO- if you know anything about my taste, and happen to enjoy the same books I do, then pick this one up. SWOOOOONNN
Original review:
I can never write decent reviews for my favorite books. SO- if you know anything about my taste, and happen to enjoy the same books I do, then pick this one up. SWOOOOONNN
May 15, 2016
One of the best Historical Romances I've read in a long time.
Very well written and engaging, it used tropes without heavily relying on them, and it all tied together really nice in the end.
Usually books in this genre are extremely predictable, but this book really surprised me several times.
The characters, though flawed, were really likeable. I especially enjoyed Lissa's sister Evie. Ivan played out the "tortured hero" without being an asshole or an obnoxious jerk.
Although it does overstay it's welcome a good 50 pages from the end, I still really liked this. It's a keeper.
Very well written and engaging, it used tropes without heavily relying on them, and it all tied together really nice in the end.
Usually books in this genre are extremely predictable, but this book really surprised me several times.
The characters, though flawed, were really likeable. I especially enjoyed Lissa's sister Evie. Ivan played out the "tortured hero" without being an asshole or an obnoxious jerk.
Although it does overstay it's welcome a good 50 pages from the end, I still really liked this. It's a keeper.
August 4, 2022
When Angels fall is my second Meagan McKinney book and I really enjoyed it, but I still hold that Lions and Lace is better. (If you like the show The Gilded Age definitely read Lions and Lace because it has the whole old money vs. new money thing going and it's great.)
Anyway, there are a lot of similarities with both books, the first being that they're packed full of angst and very slow burn. If you want a lighthearted romance with fluff and domestic shenanigans I don't think Meagan McKinney is an author for you. I really love more angsty books with morally questionable leads so I really enjoy this formula.
Ivan Tramore is a bastard son to the Marquis of Powerscourt who worked as a stableboy on the Alcester family estate. Lissa Alcester is the beautiful, wealthy eldest daughter of Lord Alcester and lives a life of privilege. That is until tragedy strikes the Alcester family and Lissa and her two siblings are left in near poverty. At around the same time, Ivan's father dies and since he had no heirs, names Ivan the new Marquis. So we have a sort of rags to riches, riches to rags thing going on with our protagonists that was very fun to read about.
It's clear from the beginning that Ivan is totally obsessed with Lissa but things happened in their past that has him seeking revenge. Basically, Lissa and Ivan's past is complicated and after years of being away, Ivan is back as a wealthy man, ready to take his seat at Powerscourt. It seems that his dark obsession with Lissa is driving a lot of what he does.
So just like the hero in Lions and Lace, I really enjoyed Ivan. Trevor and Ivan have a lot of similarities, they aren't quite villains but sit firmly in the anti-hero category and aren't afraid to get their hands dirty if it means getting what they want. Ivan is dark, cunning and broody and I loved his character.
As I mentioned before this book is a slow burn and basically all conflict comes from the two characters distrust of the other. Yes, this is a form of the dreaded miscommunication trope, but in situations like this it's much more palatable because their past is kind of loaded and it makes sense why they are each extremely wary of the other.
Still, and this is why it wasn't a 5 star read, I found that by the 75% mark the whole not communicating thing got a bit old. By that point the narrative kept going around in circles and I didn't fully get Lissa's complete and utter fear, especially after so deep into the book. Once we learn about their past, I just felt like it wasn't ~that~ bad, or at least bad enough to justify this immense distrust in each other. There wasn't a ton of character growth and it's just the characters in their minds making assumptions about each other which got tiring. Lissa's inane move to London was particularly questionable.
So at the end of the day I felt like Lissa was particularly obstinate and ignorant. But I definitely understood her fears in the first 50-75% of the book and honestly Ivan and Lissa were so fun that it didn't bother me immensely. I do though wish we had more resolution because we seriously get no time with these two actually trusting the other so I wish we got to see more of a wrap up with their story, as there were quite a few loose ends. The book could have definitely done with an explanation scene at the end or something.
So yeah, overall very fun and this spoke to my love of angst, broody dark heroes, and slow burn. Just a couple issues mainly with Lissa that started getting me a bit annoyed in the last 20% or so.
CW:
Anyway, there are a lot of similarities with both books, the first being that they're packed full of angst and very slow burn. If you want a lighthearted romance with fluff and domestic shenanigans I don't think Meagan McKinney is an author for you. I really love more angsty books with morally questionable leads so I really enjoy this formula.
Ivan Tramore is a bastard son to the Marquis of Powerscourt who worked as a stableboy on the Alcester family estate. Lissa Alcester is the beautiful, wealthy eldest daughter of Lord Alcester and lives a life of privilege. That is until tragedy strikes the Alcester family and Lissa and her two siblings are left in near poverty. At around the same time, Ivan's father dies and since he had no heirs, names Ivan the new Marquis. So we have a sort of rags to riches, riches to rags thing going on with our protagonists that was very fun to read about.
It's clear from the beginning that Ivan is totally obsessed with Lissa but things happened in their past that has him seeking revenge. Basically, Lissa and Ivan's past is complicated and after years of being away, Ivan is back as a wealthy man, ready to take his seat at Powerscourt. It seems that his dark obsession with Lissa is driving a lot of what he does.
So just like the hero in Lions and Lace, I really enjoyed Ivan. Trevor and Ivan have a lot of similarities, they aren't quite villains but sit firmly in the anti-hero category and aren't afraid to get their hands dirty if it means getting what they want. Ivan is dark, cunning and broody and I loved his character.
As I mentioned before this book is a slow burn and basically all conflict comes from the two characters distrust of the other. Yes, this is a form of the dreaded miscommunication trope, but in situations like this it's much more palatable because their past is kind of loaded and it makes sense why they are each extremely wary of the other.
Still, and this is why it wasn't a 5 star read, I found that by the 75% mark the whole not communicating thing got a bit old. By that point the narrative kept going around in circles and I didn't fully get Lissa's complete and utter fear, especially after so deep into the book. Once we learn about their past, I just felt like it wasn't ~that~ bad, or at least bad enough to justify this immense distrust in each other. There wasn't a ton of character growth and it's just the characters in their minds making assumptions about each other which got tiring. Lissa's inane move to London was particularly questionable.
So at the end of the day I felt like Lissa was particularly obstinate and ignorant. But I definitely understood her fears in the first 50-75% of the book and honestly Ivan and Lissa were so fun that it didn't bother me immensely. I do though wish we had more resolution because we seriously get no time with these two actually trusting the other so I wish we got to see more of a wrap up with their story, as there were quite a few loose ends. The book could have definitely done with an explanation scene at the end or something.
So yeah, overall very fun and this spoke to my love of angst, broody dark heroes, and slow burn. Just a couple issues mainly with Lissa that started getting me a bit annoyed in the last 20% or so.
CW:
January 31, 2023
This is very well written as far as drawing you into the time. I felt like I was there. H is a little too vengeful and the story keeps
Up the angst to the last page. Could have wound down earlier and given some hea pages.
Up the angst to the last page. Could have wound down earlier and given some hea pages.
May 29, 2021
Elizabeth "Lissa" Alcester hace cinco años estuvo enamorada de su mozo de cuadras, Ivan Tramore pero él se marchó y ahora Lissa está en una grave situación económica y el nuevo marquis de Powerscourt la pondrá entre la espada y la pared.
Como me quedé bastante satisfecha con una de las novelas de esta autora decidí repetir en esta ocasión con “El ángel malvado”. Tengo que decir que la sinopsis me sonaba pero de otra novela de otra autora y me quedé pensando si ya lo había leído pero no fue el caso.
La novela se divide en varias partes, una de ellas me ha parecido indispensable ya que viajamos al pasado y conocemos el suceso por el que Ivan Tramore y Lissa Alcester tienen esa “antipatía” mutua. La ambientación y las descripciones es algo que hace destacar a esta autora y me encanta porque me sitúo mejor, todo es más vívido, es algo que se disfruta.
La historia me ha decepcionado un poco porque pretendía más de lo que era, en ese aspecto me he sentido un poco engañada, tenemos esa incógnita del pasado, de lo que pudo ocurrir entre Lissa e Ivan que los llevó a separarse y vivir enfrentados, esto me hacía estar bastante entretenida junto a la constante disputa entre uno y la otra por ese suceso. Y es que aquí los continuos enfrentamientos llegaron a un momento en que me parecieron excesivos, una cosa es que los protagonistas tengan sus enfrentamientos, con sus duelos dialécticos pero es que esto está a un nivel de exceso alto.
Entre tanta pelea la autora nos daba un poquitín de romance y así casi hasta el final de la novela. No digo que no me guste que Ivan le de caña a Lissa pero tanta me ha resultado cansino y no me ha dejado momentos bonitos de romance entre la pareja. Los motivos de ese odio tampoco me han resultado convincentes pero bueno cosas peores he visto.
Ivan como personaje me he quedado...https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
Como me quedé bastante satisfecha con una de las novelas de esta autora decidí repetir en esta ocasión con “El ángel malvado”. Tengo que decir que la sinopsis me sonaba pero de otra novela de otra autora y me quedé pensando si ya lo había leído pero no fue el caso.
La novela se divide en varias partes, una de ellas me ha parecido indispensable ya que viajamos al pasado y conocemos el suceso por el que Ivan Tramore y Lissa Alcester tienen esa “antipatía” mutua. La ambientación y las descripciones es algo que hace destacar a esta autora y me encanta porque me sitúo mejor, todo es más vívido, es algo que se disfruta.
La historia me ha decepcionado un poco porque pretendía más de lo que era, en ese aspecto me he sentido un poco engañada, tenemos esa incógnita del pasado, de lo que pudo ocurrir entre Lissa e Ivan que los llevó a separarse y vivir enfrentados, esto me hacía estar bastante entretenida junto a la constante disputa entre uno y la otra por ese suceso. Y es que aquí los continuos enfrentamientos llegaron a un momento en que me parecieron excesivos, una cosa es que los protagonistas tengan sus enfrentamientos, con sus duelos dialécticos pero es que esto está a un nivel de exceso alto.
Entre tanta pelea la autora nos daba un poquitín de romance y así casi hasta el final de la novela. No digo que no me guste que Ivan le de caña a Lissa pero tanta me ha resultado cansino y no me ha dejado momentos bonitos de romance entre la pareja. Los motivos de ese odio tampoco me han resultado convincentes pero bueno cosas peores he visto.
Ivan como personaje me he quedado...https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
May 2, 2024
This was my first ever buddy read, and I love that I got to do it with Sarah Beth and on a book recommended by Nenia!
I enjoyed this read, even though I found myself kind of hating the heroine along the way. I was just so frustrated with her! She seemed to be entirely stuck in the past and making all of her decisions based on her long-held assumptions rather than taking any new information into account. Yes, yes, you hurt him years ago, but he's being really generous toward you now, so maybe stop looking for the knife in the hand he keeps reaching out with? Somehow you've held your little family together for years despite poverty, ostracism, and physical limitations, but you're incapable of altering your perceptions when reality doesn't align with them?
I do get that the point of it is she's committed to punishing herself and believes others seek to punish her to justify her martyr complex, but it made her a frustrating lead for me. In the end, I wasn't even rooting for her, I just wanted to see Ivan happy... even though the dubcon was a bit more dub (very old-school, consistent with the style when this was written) than I especially enjoy.
I think the whole thing would have been a bit more palatable if the reveal of their past had been
Favorite characters: Holland and Evvie. I was definitely invested in their relationship, if not so much the central one.
I enjoyed this read, even though I found myself kind of hating the heroine along the way. I was just so frustrated with her! She seemed to be entirely stuck in the past and making all of her decisions based on her long-held assumptions rather than taking any new information into account. Yes, yes, you hurt him years ago, but he's being really generous toward you now, so maybe stop looking for the knife in the hand he keeps reaching out with? Somehow you've held your little family together for years despite poverty, ostracism, and physical limitations, but you're incapable of altering your perceptions when reality doesn't align with them?
I do get that the point of it is she's committed to punishing herself and believes others seek to punish her to justify her martyr complex, but it made her a frustrating lead for me. In the end, I wasn't even rooting for her, I just wanted to see Ivan happy... even though the dubcon was a bit more dub (very old-school, consistent with the style when this was written) than I especially enjoy.
I think the whole thing would have been a bit more palatable if the reveal of their past had been
Favorite characters: Holland and Evvie. I was definitely invested in their relationship, if not so much the central one.
July 14, 2022
So much angst and anguish! It could've been perfect had the hero shown even a tiny bit of remorse. I've just finished it and I'm still crying as I'm writing this review. Not one action was redeemed, the whole book was about a selfless, lovely heroine being treated in the worst way possible by a sorry excuse for a hero! I could not get over the fact that the hero kept accusing her of being the "Lusty Lissa" the people kept calling her without giving her the benefit of the doubt. And the fact that she WAS a virgin was glossed over like it was not at all important had me absolutely fuming! Had I at least gotten the heroes point of view, saying he regretted how badly he hurt her or misjudged her at every chance he got then my heart would have been content. I despised Ivan, an absolutely irredeemable hero. He was everything I hated in a hero- self centered and woe is me kind of a beta hero disguised as an alpha just because he is straight up CRUEL... There was no love in this book, only pain from a past love. I did not believe in their HEA not one tiny bit. However, I do not have it in my heart to give any less than 3 stars to such a well written book, but this is the first and the last book I will ever read from this author. This is not the kind of romance I want to read to soothe my heart and soul.
May 10, 2021
I bought this book because I thought the cover was SO COOL and you know what... it is so cool. Great cover! 5 star cover! You open the flap and there's a sexy oil painting so yes, 10/10.
So this is like, a bodice ripper without the courage of it's own convictions. Yes the hero is a manipulative predator but... he was born a bastard, damnit. He's suffered, and therefore he deserves revenge.
So yeah, Ivan wants revenge because the town he was raised in was mean to him, and he wants the ultimate revenge on Lissa, because he loves her but she was also mean to him when she was 16 and he was a fully grown man.
The long game seems to be to slowly ruin Lissa's life and deprive her of every alternative to being Ivan's mistress. And he... pretty much succeeds? There is a "we love each other so much we can't stand each other" push and pull that I don't understand, because I think love is kindness and not... being the villain in an erotic thriller.
So this is like, a bodice ripper without the courage of it's own convictions. Yes the hero is a manipulative predator but... he was born a bastard, damnit. He's suffered, and therefore he deserves revenge.
So yeah, Ivan wants revenge because the town he was raised in was mean to him, and he wants the ultimate revenge on Lissa, because he loves her but she was also mean to him when she was 16 and he was a fully grown man.
The long game seems to be to slowly ruin Lissa's life and deprive her of every alternative to being Ivan's mistress. And he... pretty much succeeds? There is a "we love each other so much we can't stand each other" push and pull that I don't understand, because I think love is kindness and not... being the villain in an erotic thriller.
September 14, 2020
Oh gosh, so close to a 5 star! I mean, I was on my way! The dialogue is fantastic and the characters are so freaking real. But the ending, aaarrrggghhh! I hate when it just ends. Nothing to allow some closure, especially to the H in this instance. Like, how do we even know if it all really does come out alright? What if he didn't actually follow through at the very last minute? We are made to believe that it just finally happens, but WHAT IF?! I need an epilogue people, geez!
There was so much angst. The characters had so much to deal with and had such trauma in their lives. I felt their pain throughout the whole book. Which is great! Because I love the feels! But I just needed that tiny bit more.
There was so much angst. The characters had so much to deal with and had such trauma in their lives. I felt their pain throughout the whole book. Which is great! Because I love the feels! But I just needed that tiny bit more.
December 11, 2023
Ok so I swear that I marked this book as read and posted a review. Anyway, this was good. Not my favorite by McKinney, looking at you Gentle From the Night.
It’s better than Lions and Lace in my opinion, as the revenge are is better and makes a bit more sense. I think my main issue though was the revenge arc lacked any real malice as the MMC really loves the FMC, and has even provided her with main albeit under an alias for years. Like he’s a scoundrel, but not a really villain.
It’s better than Lions and Lace in my opinion, as the revenge are is better and makes a bit more sense. I think my main issue though was the revenge arc lacked any real malice as the MMC really loves the FMC, and has even provided her with main albeit under an alias for years. Like he’s a scoundrel, but not a really villain.
April 10, 2024
“how did you get that scar on your face?”
the back of ivan’s hand immediately went to his left cheek. he lowered it, and slowly he answered, “i got it in a fight.”
“did you win?” george asked.
“that hasn’t been determined yet” was the only answer ivan supplied before nodding his head toward the path back to town.
i cannot believe this absolute gem of a book has been wasting away on my kindle … shame. on. me. ivan is an absolute legend and his obsessive brand of love totally worked for me.
“why are you tormenting me like this, ivan? what do you want from me?” she cried out in frustration. forcibly she pulled at his hands but they held like steel.
“everything. i want everything from you, lissa. and then when you’ve nothing left to give, i want some more.”
i guess i'm off to read lions and lace now. wish me luck 🫡
November 27, 2013
A great Victorian Bodice Ripper with a Tortured Hero and a Magnificent Heroine
I guess I should say at the outset that I am a fan of McKinney's historical romance novels. This one, set in 1855 (prologue in 1850), is a wonderful, well-told story of how the wounds from the past keep us from embracing the future we might have. And it kept me up late reading till I finished it, which is always a good sign. Oh, yes, it’s a bodice ripper, too.
Five years ago, Elizabeth (“Lissa”) Alcester, daughter of wealthy landed gentry, gave her heart to her father’s stable boy, Ivan Tramore, the bastard son of a marquis. But in those five years, their lives were to change dramatically. Lissa would become impoverished and responsible for her blind sister and her young brother, and Ivan would become his father’s only heir, now the rich, powerful and ruthless Marquis of Powerscourt.
Ivan remembers Lissa and the kiss he stole from her. He will have her as his mistress but first he will have his revenge. It appears from all his actions that he is out to destroy her, to send her suitors away and to make her life a disaster, but he cannot resist the only woman he has ever truly wanted.
McKinney keeps you on the edge of your seat as you follow the ups and downs in Lissa’s life. She is a brave and worthy heroine, one you will come to love. Always trying to do what is right by her family, she is often thwarted by Ivan’s manipulation in the background. It all comes together in the end for a satisfying culmination to a difficult beginning between two people scarred by life. McKinney has done her research for the period and the descriptions are well done. I recommend it!
I guess I should say at the outset that I am a fan of McKinney's historical romance novels. This one, set in 1855 (prologue in 1850), is a wonderful, well-told story of how the wounds from the past keep us from embracing the future we might have. And it kept me up late reading till I finished it, which is always a good sign. Oh, yes, it’s a bodice ripper, too.
Five years ago, Elizabeth (“Lissa”) Alcester, daughter of wealthy landed gentry, gave her heart to her father’s stable boy, Ivan Tramore, the bastard son of a marquis. But in those five years, their lives were to change dramatically. Lissa would become impoverished and responsible for her blind sister and her young brother, and Ivan would become his father’s only heir, now the rich, powerful and ruthless Marquis of Powerscourt.
Ivan remembers Lissa and the kiss he stole from her. He will have her as his mistress but first he will have his revenge. It appears from all his actions that he is out to destroy her, to send her suitors away and to make her life a disaster, but he cannot resist the only woman he has ever truly wanted.
McKinney keeps you on the edge of your seat as you follow the ups and downs in Lissa’s life. She is a brave and worthy heroine, one you will come to love. Always trying to do what is right by her family, she is often thwarted by Ivan’s manipulation in the background. It all comes together in the end for a satisfying culmination to a difficult beginning between two people scarred by life. McKinney has done her research for the period and the descriptions are well done. I recommend it!
February 22, 2022
Ugh the neverending struggle to choose quotes specially when you end up loving each and every word😣
🔥🔥“What does Ivan look like when he looks at her? Describe him for me. I’ve pictured it a thousand times in my head, but you’ve actually seen it. What does his face look like? What is his expression?”
Holland drew back and thought about it for a moment. He seemed a bit reluctant to tell her. Haltingly he said,“He looks as if he could ravish her right where she stands.”🔥🔥
I absolutely love when the couple is described from someone else's eyes and it just ends up highlighting their love for each other.
He tipped her head up and he stared at her as if he could look into her soul.
Finally he whispered, “Lissa, you take my breath away. You’re an angel fallen from heaven and I want you so, I’ll go mad if I can’t have you.”
A shadow passed over her eyes. Bitterly she reached her hand out and traced his scar. “I’m no angel,” she whispered.
He grabbed her hand and stopped her movement.
“Perhaps you are. Perhaps it’s you who might save me.” With that, he bent his head and his lips trailed down her neck until he met with the hollow of her throat.
🔥🔥“What does Ivan look like when he looks at her? Describe him for me. I’ve pictured it a thousand times in my head, but you’ve actually seen it. What does his face look like? What is his expression?”
Holland drew back and thought about it for a moment. He seemed a bit reluctant to tell her. Haltingly he said,“He looks as if he could ravish her right where she stands.”🔥🔥
I absolutely love when the couple is described from someone else's eyes and it just ends up highlighting their love for each other.
He tipped her head up and he stared at her as if he could look into her soul.
Finally he whispered, “Lissa, you take my breath away. You’re an angel fallen from heaven and I want you so, I’ll go mad if I can’t have you.”
A shadow passed over her eyes. Bitterly she reached her hand out and traced his scar. “I’m no angel,” she whispered.
He grabbed her hand and stopped her movement.
“Perhaps you are. Perhaps it’s you who might save me.” With that, he bent his head and his lips trailed down her neck until he met with the hollow of her throat.
August 30, 2022
I’m giving this one 5 stars even though it frustrates me a bit. I’m such a fan of McKinney’s writing style and prose that I stayed up until 1 am finishing this one.
What I loved: This is like a happy-ending Wuthering Heights. I loved that Ivan was a successful “bastard” gypsy. I loved the push-pull and angst between the MC’s.
What frustrated me: Both of the MC’s were pig-headed and said unnecessarily cruel things to one another. The ending was so abrupt. We didn’t see a resolution to several conflicts, including Ivan’s lies. I needed some grovel, not just him showing up at the alter.
I still loved it, so 5 angsty, broody stars.
What I loved: This is like a happy-ending Wuthering Heights. I loved that Ivan was a successful “bastard” gypsy. I loved the push-pull and angst between the MC’s.
What frustrated me: Both of the MC’s were pig-headed and said unnecessarily cruel things to one another. The ending was so abrupt. We didn’t see a resolution to several conflicts, including Ivan’s lies. I needed some grovel, not just him showing up at the alter.
I still loved it, so 5 angsty, broody stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2025
“Why are you tormenting me like this, Ivan? What do you want from me?”
“Everything. I want everything from you, Lissa. And then when you’ve nothing left to give, I want some more.”
3.5 ⭐️ The miscommunication lasted until the VERY end of the story and I’m talking until the last few paragraphs of the book. The dubious happy ending felt so unsatisfying because of this like I just know those two fought on their wedding night. Loved the resentment and obsession between them though.
“Everything. I want everything from you, Lissa. And then when you’ve nothing left to give, I want some more.”
3.5 ⭐️ The miscommunication lasted until the VERY end of the story and I’m talking until the last few paragraphs of the book. The dubious happy ending felt so unsatisfying because of this like I just know those two fought on their wedding night. Loved the resentment and obsession between them though.
August 4, 2021
The relationship is toxic af, sexual assault and borderline rape. The characters show no growth and lack any true emotional connection. The drama could have all been resolved with communication and the book just dragged on. By 60% you’re wondering why the book isn’t over already. I can’t believe I’ve finished it.
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