Rating: 
Summary: Sensually titillating! Very highly recommended
Review: A scandalous observation leaves spinster Emma Fitzgerald with unfettered desire and outrageous daring. Rather than feeling appalled at witnessing a tryst between John Clayton, the new Viscount Wakefield, and his paramour, Emma longs to sample such risqué behavior. Unfortunately, she has arrived on a serious mission, as the Viscount has served eviction notices on many of her elderly and widowed neighbors, as well as her own family. Temporary distraction does not put her off from her purpose; rather, it prepares her.Under the prim, proper exterior of a vicar's daughter, Emma conceals passions to match John's. Her saucy daring and bodacious maneuverings captures his attention, promising an allure far beyond what John has shared with the jaded women of London. Moreover, John's attempts to protect while dissuading Emma fail miserably when she turns the situation to her advantage. Suddenly this bad boy realizes he has met his match in the most unexpected of ways. Cheryl Holt creates a searing tale of passion in COMPLETE ABANDON. Holt provides an amusing afternoon's read with vivid characterizations that spring to life. A study of complete opposites, Emma and John come together with unexecuted hilarity and outrageousness. Emma's sensual nature sparkles under this bad boy's touch. Remarkably, she does not attempt to tame his wayward ways; rather, she glories in both his strengths and in his flaws. John, however, has a lot to learn about women regardless of his varied experience if he wishes to ever keep the heart of this remarkable woman. Secondary characters likewise sparkle with Holt's characteristic style. Witty, daring and delightful, COMPLETE ABANDON comes very highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Woo Hoo!
Review: After having been somewhat disappointed by Holt's Total Surrender, I was delighted to read Complete Abandon. It was quite entertaining to see an unrepentant bad boy meet his match. Emma was refreshing; though technically a virgin, she was in no way ignorant of her own sexuality: "She was no stranger to orgasm, having occasionally inflicted the wanton gratification on herself..." I saw the makings of another novel in the attraction between Ian and Caroline. Perhaps Ms Holt might write a sequel to this book featuring them?
Rating: 
Summary: I was not a Cheryl Holt reader before this book.
Review: And I kind of doubt I will be again. But I'm going to try to be fair here. I thought I would read something by Ms. Holt since I had never read anything by her before, and was looking for a new romance author. The two stars might actually be a 2 1/2. This is not a bad book -- it's not badly written or boring (though I found myself skimming toward the end, I must admit). I've discovered in the past that this type of writing/character development/plotting is not my choice in romance fiction. Ms. Holt reminded me a little of Bertice Small, which is good as far as that goes, (she's certainly direct, like Bertice, with a touch of perversity) but I generally prefer a little subtlety in my romance reading. So the hero's oversexed "cockstands" and the immediately horny heroine were kind of off-putting & smutty -- but that's my opinion, it might not be yours! So if you like your romance reading very "up front" with a touch of perversity (the Vicar with the taste for little girls in this book comes to mind --uggh) then Cheryl is the author for you.
Rating:
Summary: I was not a Cheryl Holt reader before this book.
Review: And I kind of doubt I will be again. But I'm going to try to be fair here. I thought I would read something by Ms. Holt since I had never read anything by her before, and was looking for a new romance author. The two stars might actually be a 2 1/2. This is not a bad book -- it's not badly written or boring (though I found myself skimming toward the end, I must admit). I've discovered in the past that this type of writing/character development/plotting is not my choice in romance fiction. Ms. Holt reminded me a little of Bertice Small, which is good as far as that goes, (she's certainly direct, like Bertice, with a touch of perversity) but I generally prefer a little subtlety in my romance reading. So the hero's oversexed "cockstands" and the immediately horny heroine were kind of off-putting & smutty -- but that's my opinion, it might not be yours! So if you like your romance reading very "up front" with a touch of perversity (the Vicar with the taste for little girls in this book comes to mind --uggh) then Cheryl is the author for you.
Rating:
Summary: To Make Whole
Review: Don't be deceived by the hilarious beginning; this well-crafted book is hardly a comedy! Amazingly, Cheryl Holt plays with the reader's every emotion. She unwraps love, joy, sorrow, hate, and then throws in sexual prowling as an added bonus. Bravo Ms. Holt, what an exhilarating roller coaster ride through human endurance.
John Clayton, Viscount Wakefield, suffers with the company of artificial friends - "hanger-ons." He is rich; they are pathetic. He is attractive; they are fascinated. He is influential; they are unimportant. He permits their company; they oblige him. So rests the worthless life of a self-centered viscount.
Emma Fitzgerald, a deceased vicar's daughter, is astute, spirited, and extremely poor. What started as a humorous liaison, between these two mismatched people, quickly becomes a fragile bond. Sadly, their intimacy has no gratified future; Emma is far below Clayton's social view and position.
Further enhancing her story, Cheryl Holt touches upon more human shortcomings. Rustling through the pages is John's offensive mistress, his tolerant fiancee, and his bastardly brother. Emma, too, has her life sharpened with a fresh, delightful sister, a vile admirer, and the daily issue of destitution. Oh what a twisted web the author has brilliantly woven.
The novel's weak points: the lengthy deliberations, in and among key scenes, are distracting. Such pondering, by the characters, weakens the scene development. Additionally, the author did not soothe the Clayton brothers' relationship. Their future friendship was uncertain -- an unanswered curiosity. However, this confusion and use of sexual language, that at times, seemed too modern are insignificant objections. Cheryl Holt has written a creative story that captivates her reader's interest. Well done.
Rating:
Summary: To Make Whole
Review: Don't be deceived by the hilarious beginning; this well-crafted book is hardly a comedy! Amazingly, Cheryl Holt plays with the reader's every emotion. She unwraps love, joy, sorrow, hate, and then throws in sexual prowling as an added bonus. Bravo Ms. Holt, what an exhilarating roller coaster ride through human endurance.
John Clayton, Viscount Wakefield, suffers with the company of artificial friends - "hanger-ons." He is rich; they are pathetic. He is attractive; they are fascinated. He is influential; they are unimportant. He permits their company; they oblige him. So rests the worthless life of a self-centered viscount.
Emma Fitzgerald, a deceased vicar's daughter, is astute, spirited, and extremely poor. What started as a humorous liaison, between these two mismatched people, quickly becomes a fragile bond. Sadly, their intimacy has no gratified future; Emma is far below Clayton's social view and position.
Further enhancing her story, Cheryl Holt touches upon more human shortcomings. Rustling through the pages is John's offensive mistress, his tolerant fiancee, and his bastardly brother. Emma, too, has her life sharpened with a fresh, delightful sister, a vile admirer, and the daily issue of destitution. Oh what a twisted web the author has brilliantly woven.
The novel's weak points: the lengthy deliberations, in and among key scenes, are distracting. Such pondering, by the characters, weakens the scene development. Additionally, the author did not soothe the Clayton brothers' relationship. Their future friendship was uncertain -- an unanswered curiosity. However, this confusion and use of sexual language, that at times, seemed too modern are insignificant objections. Cheryl Holt has written a creative story that captivates her reader's interest. Well done.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific - this is Holt at her best
Review: I have really enjoyed Cheryl Holt's books with the exception of Absolute Pleasure, her novel prior to Complete Abandon. Absolute Pleasure was average at best and disappointed me because I expect above average writing from Holt. But she is at her best once again with Complete Abandon and I was able to determine that within the first fifty pages of the book (and I'm not talking about the sensual scene from the first few pages). Viscount Wakefield, John Clayton, is one of those immoral heroes who is too wealthy for his own good. He isn't too pleased with the many responsibilities required of a viscount who owns numerous properties. He has spent years in decadent living - always partying, gambling, womanizing, and whatever else he can do to provide a thrill to his very tainted life - a life that is becoming quite boring. He visits one of his estates, Wakefield, and begins the tedious task of making the estate profitable once again. Fearing boredom, John has brought with him to Wakefield his mistress, brother, and a crowd of equally decadent revelers who are ever willing to accept John's immense hospitality. Emma is a heroine with a lot of zest, purpose, and down right audacity. She is the daughter of Wakefield's deceased vicar and is known to protect those she loves. The villagers petition Emma's assistance when many receive eviction notices from the newly arrived viscount. Emma is incensed when she realizes the eviction notices are directed to those retired, ill, or fatherless. She eagerly takes up the village's cause and tromps to the estate family's home to confront the viscount with his poor judgment, stingy inclinations, and downright villainous tendencies as he evicts the most needy from their homes. Emma has heard all of the horrible rumors about John Clayton's despicable behavior and it only makes her more determined to face him down and hammer some sense into him. John is having a fairly boring morning, complete with a boring sexual encounter with his mistress. This is the opening pages scene that has been commented on in many reviews. Afterwards, he is holding a rather boring informal business meeting with his brother when this unknown woman demands entrance to his home. His butler is unable to keep her out of the house and this stranger barges straight into John's library where he sits with his brother and his mistress. Well, John is one of those alpha males who always want to be in charge but, as a gentleman, he attempts to placate this furious, beautiful lady and get her out of his house. Soon John is speechless as he learns this vicar's daughter doesn't think too highly of him and is actually criticizing him! And insulting him - a lot! She is dictating to him about his duties and detailing his many failures. As he attempts to speak to Emma, she keeps up her tirade and refuses his efforts to dismiss her. So John, ever the devil viscount that he is, makes a rude and shocking proposition to her in exchange for his withdrawal of the eviction notices. Of course, his intention is to cause her to run from his house - away from his evil, reprehensible suggestion - and the obviously depraved person he is. He expects this vicar's daughter to scamper away in fear and out of his home forever. But Emma is one step ahead of him and stuns him by taking up his challenge. This all occurs within the opening pages of the book and is one of the more entertaining scenes I have read in romance writing. I really savored this interaction between the two. John is stunned as Emma not only agrees to his proposition but also insists he put it in writing. So, Complete Abandon is off and running fast. There is not a dull moment from page one and Emma and John's relationship is at once adversarial as well as intensely sensual. Their relationship is unlike most romance plots. Oh there are similar elements to mainstream historical romances but the situations between Emma and John are unusual and refreshing. Most of all they captivate you as they each try to outmaneuver the other. It is a rollicking story with many ups and downs as well as containing some serious overtones. John's continued shock at Emma's behavior is humorous throughout the book. Their relationship, as to be expected, does become physical eventually and these sensual scenes rate a strong 4.5 out of 5.0 (see More About Me for rating guidelines). John holds true to his alpha character but it does not rule the book, as is so often the case. Emma remains strong and resilient without becoming tiresome or irritating. The chemistry is strong between these two yet their situation is a bit sad since neither expects anything lasting from the other. I highly recommend Complete Abandon. It goes on my keeper shelf - I have not had many of those lately. Thanks Cheryl Holt for a fantastic and fun story.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific - this is Holt at her best
Review: I have really enjoyed Cheryl Holt's books with the exception of Absolute Pleasure, her novel prior to Complete Abandon. Absolute Pleasure was average at best and disappointed me because I expect above average writing from Holt. But she is at her best once again with Complete Abandon and I was able to determine that within the first fifty pages of the book (and I'm not talking about the sensual scene from the first few pages). Viscount Wakefield, John Clayton, is one of those immoral heroes who is too wealthy for his own good. He isn't too pleased with the many responsibilities required of a viscount who owns numerous properties. He has spent years in decadent living - always partying, gambling, womanizing, and whatever else he can do to provide a thrill to his very tainted life - a life that is becoming quite boring. He visits one of his estates, Wakefield, and begins the tedious task of making the estate profitable once again. Fearing boredom, John has brought with him to Wakefield his mistress, brother, and a crowd of equally decadent revelers who are ever willing to accept John's immense hospitality. Emma is a heroine with a lot of zest, purpose, and down right audacity. She is the daughter of Wakefield's deceased vicar and is known to protect those she loves. The villagers petition Emma's assistance when many receive eviction notices from the newly arrived viscount. Emma is incensed when she realizes the eviction notices are directed to those retired, ill, or fatherless. She eagerly takes up the village's cause and tromps to the estate family's home to confront the viscount with his poor judgment, stingy inclinations, and downright villainous tendencies as he evicts the most needy from their homes. Emma has heard all of the horrible rumors about John Clayton's despicable behavior and it only makes her more determined to face him down and hammer some sense into him. John is having a fairly boring morning, complete with a boring sexual encounter with his mistress. This is the opening pages scene that has been commented on in many reviews. Afterwards, he is holding a rather boring informal business meeting with his brother when this unknown woman demands entrance to his home. His butler is unable to keep her out of the house and this stranger barges straight into John's library where he sits with his brother and his mistress. Well, John is one of those alpha males who always want to be in charge but, as a gentleman, he attempts to placate this furious, beautiful lady and get her out of his house. Soon John is speechless as he learns this vicar's daughter doesn't think too highly of him and is actually criticizing him! And insulting him - a lot! She is dictating to him about his duties and detailing his many failures. As he attempts to speak to Emma, she keeps up her tirade and refuses his efforts to dismiss her. So John, ever the devil viscount that he is, makes a rude and shocking proposition to her in exchange for his withdrawal of the eviction notices. Of course, his intention is to cause her to run from his house - away from his evil, reprehensible suggestion - and the obviously depraved person he is. He expects this vicar's daughter to scamper away in fear and out of his home forever. But Emma is one step ahead of him and stuns him by taking up his challenge. This all occurs within the opening pages of the book and is one of the more entertaining scenes I have read in romance writing. I really savored this interaction between the two. John is stunned as Emma not only agrees to his proposition but also insists he put it in writing. So, Complete Abandon is off and running fast. There is not a dull moment from page one and Emma and John's relationship is at once adversarial as well as intensely sensual. Their relationship is unlike most romance plots. Oh there are similar elements to mainstream historical romances but the situations between Emma and John are unusual and refreshing. Most of all they captivate you as they each try to outmaneuver the other. It is a rollicking story with many ups and downs as well as containing some serious overtones. John's continued shock at Emma's behavior is humorous throughout the book. Their relationship, as to be expected, does become physical eventually and these sensual scenes rate a strong 4.5 out of 5.0 (see More About Me for rating guidelines). John holds true to his alpha character but it does not rule the book, as is so often the case. Emma remains strong and resilient without becoming tiresome or irritating. The chemistry is strong between these two yet their situation is a bit sad since neither expects anything lasting from the other. I highly recommend Complete Abandon. It goes on my keeper shelf - I have not had many of those lately. Thanks Cheryl Holt for a fantastic and fun story.
Rating: 
Summary: This Is More Like It!! Ms. Holt's Back!!!
Review: I was anxious to get to Ms. Holt's latest story since I didn't care for her last one all that much. Ms. Holt is back on her stride and this story was better then the last. The character's are rather likeable this time around. Emma is a vicar's daughter that has fallen on hard times since the death of her father. She is now responsible for her little sister and sick mother but she make time to go to the local lord, Viscount Wakefield in order to protest against the unfair eviction notices of her neighbors. She plans on making a deal with him. For each time she will submit to his earthy desires, he will scratch off an eviction on his list. What she doesn't expect to happen is to feel something beyond disgust for the amoral rake, or find out that he has rather endearing qualities. John Clayton works hard to live up to the reputation of being a rake and general sleaze bag. He is bored with life and all of the petty details that makes him loath his station in life. Then in walks Emma and everything changes. Emma does not give a farthing for his station in life, is not put off by his scowl, and has the audacity to lecture him on his rather fond affection for brandy. She also wakes him up and forces to feel things that he never thought he was capable of feeling. This was a very touching story. I laughed out loud at some of Emma's actions and cheered her on in her attempt to win over John. The chemisty between these two people from different social circles is hot but does not detract from the telling of the story. This was a nice read and much more like what Ms. Holt has penned in the past. If you enjoy a little more spice in your romance then you will enjoy this story.
Rating:
Summary: This Is More Like It!! Ms. Holt's Back!!!
Review: I was anxious to get to Ms. Holt's latest story since I didn't care for her last one all that much. Ms. Holt is back on her stride and this story was better then the last. The character's are rather likeable this time around. Emma is a vicar's daughter that has fallen on hard times since the death of her father. She is now responsible for her little sister and sick mother but she make time to go to the local lord, Viscount Wakefield in order to protest against the unfair eviction notices of her neighbors. She plans on making a deal with him. For each time she will submit to his earthy desires, he will scratch off an eviction on his list. What she doesn't expect to happen is to feel something beyond disgust for the amoral rake, or find out that he has rather endearing qualities. John Clayton works hard to live up to the reputation of being a rake and general sleaze bag. He is bored with life and all of the petty details that makes him loath his station in life. Then in walks Emma and everything changes. Emma does not give a farthing for his station in life, is not put off by his scowl, and has the audacity to lecture him on his rather fond affection for brandy. She also wakes him up and forces to feel things that he never thought he was capable of feeling. This was a very touching story. I laughed out loud at some of Emma's actions and cheered her on in her attempt to win over John. The chemisty between these two people from different social circles is hot but does not detract from the telling of the story. This was a nice read and much more like what Ms. Holt has penned in the past. If you enjoy a little more spice in your romance then you will enjoy this story.
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