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The Scandalous St. Claires #1
The Return of the Renegade
Physiotherapist Stephanie McKinley has always admired handsome actor Jordan Simpson. So she's shocked when her latest client turns out to be the dark-eyed superstar. Except now she's faced with the man behind the famous facade—Jordan St. Claire, wealthy aristocrat!
Recuperating from an accident at Mulberry Hall, his extensive family estate, Jordan isn't suffering in silence. Roaming around the mansion, he's like a sulky—but deadly attractive—beast! Albeit one who's about to unleash Stephanie's reserved sensuality once and for all….
Recuperating from an accident at Mulberry Hall, his extensive family estate, Jordan isn't suffering in silence. Roaming around the mansion, he's like a sulky—but deadly attractive—beast! Albeit one who's about to unleash Stephanie's reserved sensuality once and for all….
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
27 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
About the author
Carole Mortimer
1,292 books903 followersI have written almost 250 romance novels in contemporary and Regency.
I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.
I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man
I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.
I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 21, 2016
Jordan and Stephanie have amazing chemistry. It's the classic trope of from hate to love, with snarky dialogue that ignites the chemistry. I kinda felt Stephanie gave into the physical aspect a bit too soon, especially since he is a celeb. Still in her defense, he was always her mega-star crush so a lot of ladies would do the same in her shoes for their heart throb. I can name a few: Chris Helmsworth, Idris Alba, Daniel Craig, Joe Magianello, Robert Downey, Jr. ahem, you get the idea.
The ending is sweet HEA. I found myself fascinated by Lucan St. Claire, and I've just started The Reluctant Duke. The St. Claire brothers are sexy and uniquely crafted. Carole Mortimer is a long-time favorite so I can never go wrong.
The ending is sweet HEA. I found myself fascinated by Lucan St. Claire, and I've just started The Reluctant Duke. The St. Claire brothers are sexy and uniquely crafted. Carole Mortimer is a long-time favorite so I can never go wrong.
August 15, 2018
For a physiotherapist/employer type romance there was not a lot of therapy going on!
The H is an aristocratic actor (using a different name) who fell off a building and broke a hella load of bones. He is moping around at one of the family piles6 months later throwing himself a pity party and drinking lots of booze to medicate rather than take pain killers.
The h is hired by the oldest brother (the Duke) to sort him out so off she tootles to deepest darkest Gloucestershire to do therapy things. When she meets the aristo H she realises its her movie star crush with dishevelled flowy dark locks and tiger eyes (think Antonio Bandaras circa Desperado with a crisp British accent) and she is pretty much in lust complete with melty bits.
He is "excited" for the first time since the accident but hes still a moany, whiny, git because of all his pain which he refuses to do anything about.
Lots of bants later and interference from well meaning brothers they head off to London and some sexy times again interrupted by twin bro. h is mortified and leaves telling the H she was only with him because she crushed on his movie star self.
He takes himself back to Hollywood to see the Dr and a quick op later he is miraculously repaired - no physio required - Whatevs!!!
Anyway this was actually a kind of fun read and I thought it was kind of cute that these boys were the descendants of some CM Duke from her Historicals - Well played Mrs M. I can see this series getting a little incestuous though with his twin bound to end up with her twin which if that happens is well ick!
The H is an aristocratic actor (using a different name) who fell off a building and broke a hella load of bones. He is moping around at one of the family piles6 months later throwing himself a pity party and drinking lots of booze to medicate rather than take pain killers.
The h is hired by the oldest brother (the Duke) to sort him out so off she tootles to deepest darkest Gloucestershire to do therapy things. When she meets the aristo H she realises its her movie star crush with dishevelled flowy dark locks and tiger eyes (think Antonio Bandaras circa Desperado with a crisp British accent) and she is pretty much in lust complete with melty bits.
He is "excited" for the first time since the accident but hes still a moany, whiny, git because of all his pain which he refuses to do anything about.
Lots of bants later and interference from well meaning brothers they head off to London and some sexy times again interrupted by twin bro. h is mortified and leaves telling the H she was only with him because she crushed on his movie star self.
He takes himself back to Hollywood to see the Dr and a quick op later he is miraculously repaired - no physio required - Whatevs!!!
Anyway this was actually a kind of fun read and I thought it was kind of cute that these boys were the descendants of some CM Duke from her Historicals - Well played Mrs M. I can see this series getting a little incestuous though with his twin bound to end up with her twin which if that happens is well ick!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2018
I realy liked this one. It's one of those light, quick reads that will put a smile on your face.
April 25, 2011
I so enjoy a book about a woman who not only won’t feed into a man wallowing in a pity party but gives him tough love with a side of sass and vinegar.
The first inkling I got that Stephanie, the heroine, was not a push over was in the first chapter. The author did a wonderful job of laying the groundwork for what comes after. I got a kick out of the snappy repartee between the heroine and Jordan, the recalcitrant hero. When he realizes exactly why she’s there in his house, the fireworks start and Stephanie still didn’t budge an inch. I have to respect a woman like that because when Jordan gave her such a hard time she gave it right back. To spice up the personal conflict is the fact that she also has had a serious crush on Jordan for years. Her now being in the presence of the man in the flesh put a delicious and sensual spin to her verbal sparring with him and the dialogue between the two was a high point for me throughout the book.
Jordan’s point of view allowed me to see a man who at first was self absorbed and grouchy as a bear turn into a man with a goal. So what if his goal is to get rid of the pesky heroine? It got him moving and talking and doing things he hadn’t done in a long while, like thinking deliciously naughty thoughts about Stephanie. Those thoughts had a natural progression until he was moving more than just his bum leg. I liked having his side of things because he really wasn’t being arbitrarily resentful or resistive to what the heroine was there for. I believe pain clouded his judgment and the most clarity he had in the early part of the book came from his tart and snappy conversations with Stephanie. He’s a man who thrives on challenge and eventually she becomes the ultimate motivation to change a great many things in his life.
Behind every good man is a great woman and this book certainly proved that.
There were only a few secondary characters but what there were certainly stirred the conflict pot. Stephanie has a burden to endure on top of Jordan’s cantankerous ways and her sister, Joey, tries to help out. Lucan, Jordan’s older brother, only helped by putting oil to fire. Jordan’s other brother Gideon provided some unexpected moments of embarrassment and yet even those served a purpose. Then there was the pseudo-villain in the story. It’s hard to take umbrage against a villain who was also a victim.
It’s a fun time when Jordan finally has his hard fought way with Stephanie. I liked how Ms. Mortimer built up the tension throughout so when they finally succumbed to their attraction, it was combustible and explosive making for an entertaining read. I thought it was well written and in just the right amounts.
The resolution of one of the conflicts was sweet. Not that the heroine initially thought so, but I certainly did. Even Jordan’s dilemma was put to rest by following his favorite physiotherapist’s orders and he was man enough to say so. I liked him for that too. Another aspect that I found amusing was Jordan’s split personality issues. That was a nice touch.
The Return of the Renegade had me grinning ear to ear throughout most of the tale. I was fanning myself from the heat buildup for the rest. I had a wonderful time watching Jordan and Stephanie fall in love. It was fun, amusing, entertaining and I couldn’t put it down. The happily ever after was satisfying and even included a surprise for the unsuspecting heroine. There is so much to enjoy and according to the book, the fun’s not over. Lucan and Gideon are next in line for love and I couldn’t be happier. Ms. Mortimer has created characters that I truly want to know about and I can’t wait.
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
The first inkling I got that Stephanie, the heroine, was not a push over was in the first chapter. The author did a wonderful job of laying the groundwork for what comes after. I got a kick out of the snappy repartee between the heroine and Jordan, the recalcitrant hero. When he realizes exactly why she’s there in his house, the fireworks start and Stephanie still didn’t budge an inch. I have to respect a woman like that because when Jordan gave her such a hard time she gave it right back. To spice up the personal conflict is the fact that she also has had a serious crush on Jordan for years. Her now being in the presence of the man in the flesh put a delicious and sensual spin to her verbal sparring with him and the dialogue between the two was a high point for me throughout the book.
Jordan’s point of view allowed me to see a man who at first was self absorbed and grouchy as a bear turn into a man with a goal. So what if his goal is to get rid of the pesky heroine? It got him moving and talking and doing things he hadn’t done in a long while, like thinking deliciously naughty thoughts about Stephanie. Those thoughts had a natural progression until he was moving more than just his bum leg. I liked having his side of things because he really wasn’t being arbitrarily resentful or resistive to what the heroine was there for. I believe pain clouded his judgment and the most clarity he had in the early part of the book came from his tart and snappy conversations with Stephanie. He’s a man who thrives on challenge and eventually she becomes the ultimate motivation to change a great many things in his life.
Behind every good man is a great woman and this book certainly proved that.
There were only a few secondary characters but what there were certainly stirred the conflict pot. Stephanie has a burden to endure on top of Jordan’s cantankerous ways and her sister, Joey, tries to help out. Lucan, Jordan’s older brother, only helped by putting oil to fire. Jordan’s other brother Gideon provided some unexpected moments of embarrassment and yet even those served a purpose. Then there was the pseudo-villain in the story. It’s hard to take umbrage against a villain who was also a victim.
It’s a fun time when Jordan finally has his hard fought way with Stephanie. I liked how Ms. Mortimer built up the tension throughout so when they finally succumbed to their attraction, it was combustible and explosive making for an entertaining read. I thought it was well written and in just the right amounts.
The resolution of one of the conflicts was sweet. Not that the heroine initially thought so, but I certainly did. Even Jordan’s dilemma was put to rest by following his favorite physiotherapist’s orders and he was man enough to say so. I liked him for that too. Another aspect that I found amusing was Jordan’s split personality issues. That was a nice touch.
The Return of the Renegade had me grinning ear to ear throughout most of the tale. I was fanning myself from the heat buildup for the rest. I had a wonderful time watching Jordan and Stephanie fall in love. It was fun, amusing, entertaining and I couldn’t put it down. The happily ever after was satisfying and even included a surprise for the unsuspecting heroine. There is so much to enjoy and according to the book, the fun’s not over. Lucan and Gideon are next in line for love and I couldn’t be happier. Ms. Mortimer has created characters that I truly want to know about and I can’t wait.
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
March 31, 2019
Quite good actually.
August 20, 2011
Very nice. Stephanie and Jordan are wonderful characters.
July 15, 2014
Gran historia, la Mortimer se esta convirtiendo en mi autora romance cliché favorita
December 29, 2014
OH MY GOD!! This book was so damn sweet.I agree that there wasn't much story but I had this huge grin on my face throughout. The heroine was sassy and making the hero so frustrated.:)
Read
December 24, 2014Miniseries: The Scandalous St. Claires
January 30, 2021
Carole Mortimer - so expect a (probably) dark-haired tsundere / grumpy male protagonist featuring a feisty and frightfully competent yet virginal female protagonist. Throw in a miscommunication, secret or twist at the end and some groveling by the man (and sometimes woman, I do like my groveling in a romance novel). Bonus for a red-haired woman as main character. This one is flavoured with a famous actor character and the competent woman telling him to stop wallowing in self-pity. It was a fine and quick read.
October 4, 2023
Not a lot going on in this one. But it’s not bad. I say read it.
March 1, 2017
loved it
September 18, 2016
Well. That was a book. With 31 out of 184 pages being exclamation mark free, I think it comes in second place to the most exclamatory Mills and Boone/Harlequin I've ever read. Just barely, though.
December 1, 2011
ok, the story line make me fascinating in the beginning, but after i read some of page, the story is like the other story which already i read all years ago, but the hero is athlete and the winner, but in this story, Jordan is a actor and the lord St.Claire, and Jordan also twin and the heroine, stephanie also have twin, oh i like twin very much LOL.
the ending is so fast, the emotion conflict not deep, so when i read,my emotion not involved, not like when i read the other historical of St.Claire
the ending is so fast, the emotion conflict not deep, so when i read,my emotion not involved, not like when i read the other historical of St.Claire
April 11, 2021
Physiotherapist Stephanie McKinley has always admired handsome actor Jordan Simpson. So she's shocked when her latest client turns out to be the dark-eyed superstar. Except now she's faced with the man behind the famous facade--Jordan St. Claire, wealthy aristocrat!Recuperating from an accident at Mulberry Hall, his extensive family estate, Jordan isn't suffering in silence. Roaming around the mansion, he's like a sulky--but deadly attractive--beast! Albeit one who's about to unleash Stephanie's reserved sensuality once and for all.
August 21, 2012
This one is book one and I had already read the second book. I was sucked in and enjoyed it lots. Only 2 things kept it from getting more stars. 1) At times the description was almost identical to Book 2. 2) There was a bit more sexual description than I like.
January 1, 2014
Harlequins are what they are and Carole Mortimer is still one of my favorite authors, that said-- a lot of HR and her books have the same formula and story and she has gotten a little racier then what I remembered these are still my quick, guilty pleasure reads.
January 5, 2012
I dunno why, but I'm in a Carole Mortimer fix.
All that I can say is that I enjoyed reading the book.
All that I can say is that I enjoyed reading the book.
December 17, 2013
now this is how a short story should be written. it was really nice!!! I'll start reading the rest of the St. Claires' stories right now. =)
October 22, 2023
Jordan was injured in a fall and Stephanie is his physiotherapist.
March 16, 2021
A great book to read ,Enjoyed it very much,
I have always liked Carol Motimer's style
I have read many of her books
I highly recommend this book, ,
I have always liked Carol Motimer's style
I have read many of her books
I highly recommend this book, ,
Read
December 24, 2014Miniseries: The Scandalous St. Claires
May 19, 2013
Jordan St Clare or Jordan Simpson ??? mmmm... BOTH OF THEM !!!
April 9, 2018
Actor y aristócrata Gruñón que tiene que soportar a la fisioterapeuta, aunque no se hable casi nada de su recuperación jajaja
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews