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Secrets of a Soprano
Teresa Foscari, Europe’s most famous opera singer, comes to London to make a fresh start and find her long lost English family. Her peerless voice thrills everyone—except Maximilian Hawthorne, Viscount Allerton, the wealthy owner of a rival opera house. Notorious Teresa Foscari is none other than Tessa, the innocent girl who broke his youthful heart. Yet Max still wants her, like no other woman.
Amidst backstage intrigue and the sumptuous soirées of fashionable London, the couple’s rivalry explodes in bitter accusations and smashed china. Tessa must fight for her career—and resist her attraction to Max, the man she once loved and who now holds the power to destroy her.
Amidst backstage intrigue and the sumptuous soirées of fashionable London, the couple’s rivalry explodes in bitter accusations and smashed china. Tessa must fight for her career—and resist her attraction to Max, the man she once loved and who now holds the power to destroy her.
279 pages, Paperback
First published April 11, 2016
About the author
Miranda Neville
27 books515 followersMiranda Neville grew up in England, loving the books of Georgette Heyer and other Regency romances. She lived in Vermont with her daughter and an immensely talented cat, who made a book trailer for her novel, The Importance of Being Wicked. Her historical romances published by Avon include the popular Burgundy Club series, about Regency book collectors, and The Wild Quartet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 26, 2023
Meh. If the hero fucks up as bad as this one did, he better be on his knees by the end of the book.
August 5, 2016
It was ok - I was eager to read about a different class of society. I did not really care for the heroine though and the interaction between her and the hero. It just wasn't super compelling, unfortunately.
September 18, 2016
I've given this a B- at AAR, so that's 3.5 stars rounded up.
As a musician and opera lover, the story and background to this new novel from Miranda Neville are right up my street. Nineteenth century opera and theatre are things that have long been of particular interest to me, and some of the best things about Secrets of a Soprano are undoubtedly the accuracy and richness of the historical background and the insight into the life and habits of a famous singer that form the backdrop to the central love story.
Theresa Foscari – born Tessa Birkett – is half English but hasn’t set foot in the country for well over a decade. Following an unhappy love affair when she was just seventeen, she married Domenico Foscari, a dynamic impresario who turned her from a good singer into a great one; from someone worthy of gracing the stages of provincial opera houses to the most sought after diva in the world – La Divina. Her marriage was tempestuous and not at all happy in the later years; and to her consternation, Foscari’s death has left her in a very precarious financial position. She now realises the mistake she made in letting him handle her entire career, from deciding where she would sing to what she would be paid; not only was he cheating her, he has left her completely ignorant of how to negotiate a good deal. Because of this, she failed to see the loopholes in the contract she has signed to perform at London’s premier opera house, the Tavistock Theatre, which dictates that she will not be paid until the end of the season. With little left of value to sell and a small entourage to support (including her vocal coach and her maid) Tessa hopes desperately that her finances will hold out.
Now Viscount Allerton, Max Hawthorne fell in love with Tessa when he was a youth of nineteen and they were both living in Oporto over a decade earlier. Unfortunately for them, her grasping relatives forced a separation, but Max has never forgiven or forgotten Tessa, following her career with a mixture of interest and bitterness as La Divina’s countless affairs with illustrious men – she is even rumoured to have been the mistress of Bonaparte himself – are all reported with salacious glee in the newspapers and scandal sheets. And now the great diva is gracing London with her presence for the first time – but is signed to the company at the Tavistock instead of Max’s Regent Theatre, a new, far more modern and artistically pleasing venue.
The Regent has been a labour of love for Max, who, as one of the richest men in the country has no need to engage in any form of trade or employment. But as he can afford not to care what people think of him, he can indulge his passion for opera without fear of censure. However, his mother, a strong, autocratic woman whom he adores and finds extremely irritating in equal measure, sees Max’s love for the theatre as an opportunity to get something she wants. She makes him a deal – if he can make the Regent pay for itself by the end of the season, she will stop nagging him to get married. And if he fails, we will marry the bride of her choice.
Having La Divina singing at a rival establishment is, naturally, a blow to his cause, as the diva is singing to packed houses while the Regent remains half-full. But when Tessa makes a mis-step, his theatre manager sees the opportunity to turn the tables in favour of the Regent, and leaks a story to the papers which, while based in truth, is in fact an unfortunate misunderstanding. But it’s too late – the damage is done and suddenly, Tessa is persona non-grata.
There is quite a lot going on in the story and in fact, I’d say that there is perhaps a little too much at times. The relationship between Max and Tessa – each of whom blames the other for their earlier separation – is an antagonistic one, with much bitterness on both sides; and I have to admit that I wasn’t completely convinced by their reconciliation. The fact that they continue to harbor such strong feelings towards each other after more than a decade is, I’m sure, supposed to be indicative of the fact that there is still the potential for love between them, but I found Max’s turnaround, in particular, quite difficult to believe in. It happens with such speed that I felt as though I’d blinked and missed something. I will also admit to giggling at the use of Italian terms for certain body parts during the sex scenes. I can certainly understand any author wanting to get away from the throbbing members and dewy folds that are so prevalent in romances, but I’m not sure that putting them into another language was the way to go.
But on the plus side, Ms Neville has done an absolutely tremendous job when it comes to exploring the world of nineteenth century opera, celebrity and the media, and draws some wonderfully strong parallels between then and now. Opera singers at the time the book is set were the rock stars and celebrity footballers of their day, and featured just as frequently in the available media as Nicky Minaj or Wayne Rooney do today. Tessa’s husband was a master spin-doctor, creating a persona for her as a promiscuous, crockery-smashing, tantrum-throwing diva , which, as Max gradually realises, is a completely different person from the real Tessa that he knew before and is coming to know again. The part of the story in which Tessa’s reputation is ruined because of a mistake is chillingly close to the sort of thing that happens today, when the media will gleefully build up a celebrity only to take them down in a hail of Tweeted bullets the moment they put a foot wrong.
Ultimately, it’s this side of the novel that I found the most engaging. I liked Max and Tessa, and the various secondary characters – even Max’s mother, who is a determined and intelligent older woman without being an annoying harpy. But as I said above, the story is too busy and as a result, fails to properly explore certain plot threads. The wager between Max and his mother is somewhat redundant, and there is a storyline concerning Tessa’s search for her English relatives that disappears early on and then comes back near the end. Hints are dropped throughout that Tessa has suffered some kind of sexual trauma in the past, but the resolution is weak and almost an afterthought. And while I appreciated the inclusion of a secondary romance between an older couple, it took time away from the central love story that it could ill afford. I’d have liked to have seen something of Max and Tessa’s earlier relationship to help convince me that in spite of everything, they still loved each other; but all we knew about that was what we were told, and it wasn’t enough for me.
In spite of those reservations, I enjoyed Secrets of a Soprano, but grading it was a little difficult. The romance isn’t developed enough, so it loses points there, but the rest of it is terrific, which adds them back again. Ultimately then, I’m going with a B-; I’d probably have given a B or higher had the romance been more convincing, and I can’t go as low as a C because Ms Neville’s knowledge and love for the period and the operatic scene shines through so strongly that it’s obvious that for her, the book – like Max’s Regent Theatre – has been a labour of love.
As a musician and opera lover, the story and background to this new novel from Miranda Neville are right up my street. Nineteenth century opera and theatre are things that have long been of particular interest to me, and some of the best things about Secrets of a Soprano are undoubtedly the accuracy and richness of the historical background and the insight into the life and habits of a famous singer that form the backdrop to the central love story.
Theresa Foscari – born Tessa Birkett – is half English but hasn’t set foot in the country for well over a decade. Following an unhappy love affair when she was just seventeen, she married Domenico Foscari, a dynamic impresario who turned her from a good singer into a great one; from someone worthy of gracing the stages of provincial opera houses to the most sought after diva in the world – La Divina. Her marriage was tempestuous and not at all happy in the later years; and to her consternation, Foscari’s death has left her in a very precarious financial position. She now realises the mistake she made in letting him handle her entire career, from deciding where she would sing to what she would be paid; not only was he cheating her, he has left her completely ignorant of how to negotiate a good deal. Because of this, she failed to see the loopholes in the contract she has signed to perform at London’s premier opera house, the Tavistock Theatre, which dictates that she will not be paid until the end of the season. With little left of value to sell and a small entourage to support (including her vocal coach and her maid) Tessa hopes desperately that her finances will hold out.
Now Viscount Allerton, Max Hawthorne fell in love with Tessa when he was a youth of nineteen and they were both living in Oporto over a decade earlier. Unfortunately for them, her grasping relatives forced a separation, but Max has never forgiven or forgotten Tessa, following her career with a mixture of interest and bitterness as La Divina’s countless affairs with illustrious men – she is even rumoured to have been the mistress of Bonaparte himself – are all reported with salacious glee in the newspapers and scandal sheets. And now the great diva is gracing London with her presence for the first time – but is signed to the company at the Tavistock instead of Max’s Regent Theatre, a new, far more modern and artistically pleasing venue.
The Regent has been a labour of love for Max, who, as one of the richest men in the country has no need to engage in any form of trade or employment. But as he can afford not to care what people think of him, he can indulge his passion for opera without fear of censure. However, his mother, a strong, autocratic woman whom he adores and finds extremely irritating in equal measure, sees Max’s love for the theatre as an opportunity to get something she wants. She makes him a deal – if he can make the Regent pay for itself by the end of the season, she will stop nagging him to get married. And if he fails, we will marry the bride of her choice.
Having La Divina singing at a rival establishment is, naturally, a blow to his cause, as the diva is singing to packed houses while the Regent remains half-full. But when Tessa makes a mis-step, his theatre manager sees the opportunity to turn the tables in favour of the Regent, and leaks a story to the papers which, while based in truth, is in fact an unfortunate misunderstanding. But it’s too late – the damage is done and suddenly, Tessa is persona non-grata.
There is quite a lot going on in the story and in fact, I’d say that there is perhaps a little too much at times. The relationship between Max and Tessa – each of whom blames the other for their earlier separation – is an antagonistic one, with much bitterness on both sides; and I have to admit that I wasn’t completely convinced by their reconciliation. The fact that they continue to harbor such strong feelings towards each other after more than a decade is, I’m sure, supposed to be indicative of the fact that there is still the potential for love between them, but I found Max’s turnaround, in particular, quite difficult to believe in. It happens with such speed that I felt as though I’d blinked and missed something. I will also admit to giggling at the use of Italian terms for certain body parts during the sex scenes. I can certainly understand any author wanting to get away from the throbbing members and dewy folds that are so prevalent in romances, but I’m not sure that putting them into another language was the way to go.
But on the plus side, Ms Neville has done an absolutely tremendous job when it comes to exploring the world of nineteenth century opera, celebrity and the media, and draws some wonderfully strong parallels between then and now. Opera singers at the time the book is set were the rock stars and celebrity footballers of their day, and featured just as frequently in the available media as Nicky Minaj or Wayne Rooney do today. Tessa’s husband was a master spin-doctor, creating a persona for her as a promiscuous, crockery-smashing, tantrum-throwing diva , which, as Max gradually realises, is a completely different person from the real Tessa that he knew before and is coming to know again. The part of the story in which Tessa’s reputation is ruined because of a mistake is chillingly close to the sort of thing that happens today, when the media will gleefully build up a celebrity only to take them down in a hail of Tweeted bullets the moment they put a foot wrong.
Ultimately, it’s this side of the novel that I found the most engaging. I liked Max and Tessa, and the various secondary characters – even Max’s mother, who is a determined and intelligent older woman without being an annoying harpy. But as I said above, the story is too busy and as a result, fails to properly explore certain plot threads. The wager between Max and his mother is somewhat redundant, and there is a storyline concerning Tessa’s search for her English relatives that disappears early on and then comes back near the end. Hints are dropped throughout that Tessa has suffered some kind of sexual trauma in the past, but the resolution is weak and almost an afterthought. And while I appreciated the inclusion of a secondary romance between an older couple, it took time away from the central love story that it could ill afford. I’d have liked to have seen something of Max and Tessa’s earlier relationship to help convince me that in spite of everything, they still loved each other; but all we knew about that was what we were told, and it wasn’t enough for me.
In spite of those reservations, I enjoyed Secrets of a Soprano, but grading it was a little difficult. The romance isn’t developed enough, so it loses points there, but the rest of it is terrific, which adds them back again. Ultimately then, I’m going with a B-; I’d probably have given a B or higher had the romance been more convincing, and I can’t go as low as a C because Ms Neville’s knowledge and love for the period and the operatic scene shines through so strongly that it’s obvious that for her, the book – like Max’s Regent Theatre – has been a labour of love.
October 29, 2019
Miranda Neville’s Secrets of a Soprano, published in 2016, is a regency romance set in 1818 London. The heroine, Theresa “Tessa” Foscari is a celebrated European opera singer, called La Davina, who is lured to London by the owner of an opera house to sing for the season. Having become a widow recently and finding that her husband squandered her hard earned money, Tessa accepts. However, she has an alternative interest in crossing the channel. Tessa is half English, half French and she knows nothing of her deceased father’s relatives. So, she hopes to track down the little family she has left in England. The hero, Max Hawthorne, Lord Allerton, is not only from one of the wealthiest families in England, but is also the co-owner of a new, rival opera house in London. Even though his opera house has signed a famous French tenor, La Davina’s appearance at his rival’s is sure to keep Max’s opera house struggling in second place.
There is an additional reason Max is focused on Tessa’s presence in London. Max and Tessa have a past. When he was 19 and she was 17, they met in Portugal, fell in love, and planned to run off to marry. But Max’s tutor/companion and Tessa’s guardian put a stop to it. Each felt the other had turned their back on their elopement plans. Max thought Tessa had accepted money to end the relationship and Tessa thought Max had decided she wasn’t good enough for him and didn’t show up at their rendezvous spot. Eleven years have passed since that time. Max has never forgotten Tessa or her beautiful voice, as he took to bed a number of operatic mistresses over the years. Tessa ran off and married a man who ultimately used her as a money machine while making up stories about the tempestuous soprano he married who slept her way across Europe gathering admiration and fabulous jewels – much of which was untrue.
As mentioned earlier, Secrets of a Soprano is a regency but it is, thankfully, not your typical regency. Other than Max, his mother, Lady Clarissa, and a titled friend most of the characters are not members of the nobility, but are working people of different ethnicities. The focus is not on a young English girl trying to land a husband before the London season ends, but on opera singers, jealousies, rivalries, and money schemes. Max’s business partner is Jewish. Tessa’s maid and assistants are Italian. Her cousin is French and her long lost British relatives are not members of the nobility — as I thought they might be — but middle class, unsophisticated country folk. All of these factors gave the book a freshness and upped my grade.
On the downside, for a good portion of the book, I had a hard time liking both Tessa and Max. Even though Tessa grew to despise her former husband who encouraged her to take out her personal and artistic frustrations via temperamental outbursts of crockery throwing, “enhancing” her diva reputation. Once he was gone, Tessa should’ve been able to be her own woman at last. Instead, she seemed to have retained these unpleasant, immature diva traits which made me think they were actually just encouraged rather than foisted on her. As for Max, since he believed the stories Tessa’s husband made up about her, he had a tendency to see her as soiled goods – even as he longed for her. As with many historical romances, a man is allowed to have a series of mistresses, but a woman must be virginal or faithful in order to remain acceptable for marriage. This obviously made Max a hypocrite. On a separate topic, as another reader on Good Reads noted, it would’ve been useful to the story if the author had given us some scenes of Max and Tessa’s youthful love affair, because eleven years later, it was harder to believe it existed and want to see them together. Instead, the story does more telling than showing, focusing on why their elopement failed – who and what prevented it -- rather than the strength of their feelings.
So, this book was a mixed bag for me, although not a bad one. I’d give it a B/B-.
There is an additional reason Max is focused on Tessa’s presence in London. Max and Tessa have a past. When he was 19 and she was 17, they met in Portugal, fell in love, and planned to run off to marry. But Max’s tutor/companion and Tessa’s guardian put a stop to it. Each felt the other had turned their back on their elopement plans. Max thought Tessa had accepted money to end the relationship and Tessa thought Max had decided she wasn’t good enough for him and didn’t show up at their rendezvous spot. Eleven years have passed since that time. Max has never forgotten Tessa or her beautiful voice, as he took to bed a number of operatic mistresses over the years. Tessa ran off and married a man who ultimately used her as a money machine while making up stories about the tempestuous soprano he married who slept her way across Europe gathering admiration and fabulous jewels – much of which was untrue.
As mentioned earlier, Secrets of a Soprano is a regency but it is, thankfully, not your typical regency. Other than Max, his mother, Lady Clarissa, and a titled friend most of the characters are not members of the nobility, but are working people of different ethnicities. The focus is not on a young English girl trying to land a husband before the London season ends, but on opera singers, jealousies, rivalries, and money schemes. Max’s business partner is Jewish. Tessa’s maid and assistants are Italian. Her cousin is French and her long lost British relatives are not members of the nobility — as I thought they might be — but middle class, unsophisticated country folk. All of these factors gave the book a freshness and upped my grade.
On the downside, for a good portion of the book, I had a hard time liking both Tessa and Max. Even though Tessa grew to despise her former husband who encouraged her to take out her personal and artistic frustrations via temperamental outbursts of crockery throwing, “enhancing” her diva reputation. Once he was gone, Tessa should’ve been able to be her own woman at last. Instead, she seemed to have retained these unpleasant, immature diva traits which made me think they were actually just encouraged rather than foisted on her. As for Max, since he believed the stories Tessa’s husband made up about her, he had a tendency to see her as soiled goods – even as he longed for her. As with many historical romances, a man is allowed to have a series of mistresses, but a woman must be virginal or faithful in order to remain acceptable for marriage. This obviously made Max a hypocrite. On a separate topic, as another reader on Good Reads noted, it would’ve been useful to the story if the author had given us some scenes of Max and Tessa’s youthful love affair, because eleven years later, it was harder to believe it existed and want to see them together. Instead, the story does more telling than showing, focusing on why their elopement failed – who and what prevented it -- rather than the strength of their feelings.
So, this book was a mixed bag for me, although not a bad one. I’d give it a B/B-.
March 24, 2016
A Beautifully Written Tale of Passion and Rivalry
Miranda Neville is one of my auto-buy authors, I was so lucky to receive a copy of the Secrets Of A Soprano.
Miranda Neville created another wonderful historical romance with great characters and plot. Teresa Foscari is beautiful, glamorous and Europe’s famous opera singer. She has never had a chance to sing in London, now as a widow she comes to London to make a fresh start, find her long lost English family and maybe the man who broke her heart, Maximilian Hawthorne.
But Max is now the Viscount Allerton and the wealthy owner of a rival opera house. Max can’t believe that the notorious Teresa is the innocent girl who broke his heart. Can he stop his desire and attraction or save his half empty opera house……………………..
This is a fast-paced historical romance of two great characters from two different worlds. I couldn’t put the book down. The plot had a nice twist and turn, the rivalry between hero and heroine was amazing.
Miranda is a talented author that her writing keeps you enthralling through the whole story.
Thank you Miranda Neville
Miranda Neville is one of my auto-buy authors, I was so lucky to receive a copy of the Secrets Of A Soprano.
Miranda Neville created another wonderful historical romance with great characters and plot. Teresa Foscari is beautiful, glamorous and Europe’s famous opera singer. She has never had a chance to sing in London, now as a widow she comes to London to make a fresh start, find her long lost English family and maybe the man who broke her heart, Maximilian Hawthorne.
But Max is now the Viscount Allerton and the wealthy owner of a rival opera house. Max can’t believe that the notorious Teresa is the innocent girl who broke his heart. Can he stop his desire and attraction or save his half empty opera house……………………..
This is a fast-paced historical romance of two great characters from two different worlds. I couldn’t put the book down. The plot had a nice twist and turn, the rivalry between hero and heroine was amazing.
Miranda is a talented author that her writing keeps you enthralling through the whole story.
Thank you Miranda Neville
September 12, 2016
This would have been a five star book had I been able to warm to the female protagonist a bit better. The hero was such a compelling personality, she seemed like a bit of a waste for his efforts, unaffected charm, and strength of character. I understand she had a difficult past, but that shouldn't leave her as an insulting, self-absorbed, paranoid social climber for so much of the novel. By the time we understood she'd been loyal to those close to her, it was almost like she was nice to her clique but couldn't give a hoot for anyone else. I suppose an effort was made to make her appear vulnerable, but it didn't balance her hard edges. Her self-sacrifice was the only endearing act, and she didn't change much beyond that, yet the core of a good novel is development of the characters as they learn and grow.
The story line was clever and plot twists moved the action forward with a strong dose of dramatic tension. For the most part, the language and story conformed well to the Regency. Minor characters were entertaining and balanced out the story well. Technically near perfect: POV changes, editing, layout, anachronisms, plot holes, etc. were virtually error-free.
The story line was clever and plot twists moved the action forward with a strong dose of dramatic tension. For the most part, the language and story conformed well to the Regency. Minor characters were entertaining and balanced out the story well. Technically near perfect: POV changes, editing, layout, anachronisms, plot holes, etc. were virtually error-free.
May 9, 2016
SECRETS OF A SOPRANO by Miranda Neville is a masterfully written Regency tale of secrets, second chances, truimph, backstage intrigue and romance. Unique and unusual. The story of an opera singer, Teresa Foscari, and the owner of a rival opera house, Maximilian Hawthorne, Viscount Allerton, who have a past together.
The story flows well, although, slow but steady in places. The H/H are sullen at times, passionate at others, as well as emotionally charged. They have a vulnerability that is very touching. They're unsure of themselves in many ways. I enjoyed this story with its twists ad turns. The secondary characters are intriguing as well. An added surprise! Fans of Regency England, and Historical Romance written with a uniqueness and vulnerability, that captivate readers, will enjoy this story. Hot and sexy, with some steamy love scenes. Emotional and compelling! I look forward to the next grand adventure. Received for an honest review.
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR
The story flows well, although, slow but steady in places. The H/H are sullen at times, passionate at others, as well as emotionally charged. They have a vulnerability that is very touching. They're unsure of themselves in many ways. I enjoyed this story with its twists ad turns. The secondary characters are intriguing as well. An added surprise! Fans of Regency England, and Historical Romance written with a uniqueness and vulnerability, that captivate readers, will enjoy this story. Hot and sexy, with some steamy love scenes. Emotional and compelling! I look forward to the next grand adventure. Received for an honest review.
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: AprilR
August 20, 2016
This was especially interesting because of the storyline elements that included a diva soprano and regency opera. This was a well plotted storyline that dealt with some believable yet slightly unusual and serious emotional issues (the secrets) that the heroine must live with and learn to overcome.
This contains one of my favorite tropes, that of lovers who originally met when they were younger and now cross paths again for a second chance.
This contains one of my favorite tropes, that of lovers who originally met when they were younger and now cross paths again for a second chance.
November 12, 2018
Even at the 75% mark I wasn't sure that Max and Teresa were going to get together, or that they should. A lot of the book is spent with them at odds with another, either in reference to their past or happenings in the present. Just when one problem is solved, something else comes up, or one of them seriously misinterprets something the other says or does. It was a bit exhausting to read and for a while I thought that it might be best if they DIDN'T get together. Of course everything comes right in the end (albeit a bit rushed and with some "convenient" outside actions). I did like the small secondary romance!
January 20, 2024
This book is engaging but frustrating too.The writing is good ,the plot and characters descriptions acceptable .The execution and the finish of it it’s missing something essential like the main characters interaction and relationships development.All was told not shown and all the angst build and then nothing. There are some twists and surprises and I like how the author described the opera world,even the side characters,however all was made to be detrimental to the main story characters which was a shame. Overall the romance was not much there and was just told .
November 5, 2016
Combining music and romance
I picked this up because of an interest in music, opera history in particular. It started slowly, but I'm glad I stuck with it. There is good research behind the musical elements of the book, and the plot, after its slow start, was engaging.
I picked this up because of an interest in music, opera history in particular. It started slowly, but I'm glad I stuck with it. There is good research behind the musical elements of the book, and the plot, after its slow start, was engaging.
April 5, 2018
I'm sad to have reached the end of MN's books... In many ways, this is trademark MN -- great writing, wonderful sense of place, plenty of period detail enriching the story. It is dinged somewhat by having too much going on, but still enjoyable.
August 22, 2019
Better by miles than the disastrous collection of ducal novellas that was the last thing of Neville’s I read, but still blah. An interesting heroine, but there’s only a poor excuse for a partnership when the putative hero is both boring and has a tendency to brush aside her concerns.
May 29, 2018
3.7 stars
Joint review with Robin at DA:
http://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/ov...
Joint review with Robin at DA:
http://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/ov...
June 19, 2021
My rating actually is 3.5
April 12, 2016
3.5 Stars. I'd long been wanting to read a Miranda Neville novel, and when I saw the description of Secrets of a Soprano, I knew it was the one to start with. I like reading about the Regency period, but after a while Regency romances tend to start getting repetitive, so I'm always looking for something different. A romance featuring an opera singer and a theater owner? Yes, please!
When opera aficionado Max Hawthorne finally gets to see famed soprano La Divina sing, he knows instantly that she is none other than the woman who broke his heart ten years earlier. But how can he reconcile this worldly, widowed diva, rumored to have been mistress to a Russian tsar and Napoleon, with the innocent young singer he fell in love with on his grand tour? Regardless, he simply must find a way to lure her away from his competition and sign her to his new theater. After an unpleasant reunion, he uses the power of rumor to achieve his goal, but it quickly takes on a life of its own and does far more harm than he anticipated. Putting aside old hurts and still-burning passion proves hard to do when he realizes "La Divina" is a carefully cultivated facade, and she is still the girl he loved and lost, but has his betrayal cost him his only chance at real happiness?
Tessa Foscari is finally free of her overbearing husband and free to return to England, the land of her father's family. She is determined to take charge of her career but finds that handling negotiations and finances is much harder than she anticipated. And she never expected to run into her long-lost love or to find that her feelings for him have never truly faded. In need of money, she accepts various private commissions and quickly becomes the sensation of the London season. But that comes crashing to a halt thanks to Max's interference. As if dealing with jealous sopranos, amorous tenors, and shady managers wasn't enough! But Max is instantly contrite and determined to make things right. Can Tessa trust him again? When the misunderstanding that separated them so many years ago is discovered, nothing should be standing in the way of true love, but a dark secret from Tessa's past threatens their future together.
I loved the background subject of this romance. Much time is spent in the theater and in salons, and music is an ever-present theme, contributing nicely to the ambiance and historical atmosphere. I always like seeing star-crossed lovers reunite, but in this case, I felt like I needed to see more of their young love (which I thought we were going to get more of in flashbacks) to feel that their love was true and believe that they still loved each other after so much time. There are a couple of subplots involving Max's mother and Tessa's English relatives that take time away from the main story, and that time could have been put to better use strengthening the reader's understanding of Max and Tessa's young romance. And I felt that Tessa was dragging out their road to happily ever after by holding on to old fears just for the sake of doing so. And finally, the grand sex scene I'd been waiting the whole book for was somewhat ruined by the author's decision to use the rather humorous Italian words for genitalia throughout.
But I still found Secrets of a Soprano to be a mostly enjoyable read, with intriguing subject matter, original characters, and an emotionally satisfying conclusion. Fans of historical romance who are looking for something a little out of the ordinary should find much to admire here.
*This review was originally posted to Romantic Historical Reviews.
When opera aficionado Max Hawthorne finally gets to see famed soprano La Divina sing, he knows instantly that she is none other than the woman who broke his heart ten years earlier. But how can he reconcile this worldly, widowed diva, rumored to have been mistress to a Russian tsar and Napoleon, with the innocent young singer he fell in love with on his grand tour? Regardless, he simply must find a way to lure her away from his competition and sign her to his new theater. After an unpleasant reunion, he uses the power of rumor to achieve his goal, but it quickly takes on a life of its own and does far more harm than he anticipated. Putting aside old hurts and still-burning passion proves hard to do when he realizes "La Divina" is a carefully cultivated facade, and she is still the girl he loved and lost, but has his betrayal cost him his only chance at real happiness?
Tessa Foscari is finally free of her overbearing husband and free to return to England, the land of her father's family. She is determined to take charge of her career but finds that handling negotiations and finances is much harder than she anticipated. And she never expected to run into her long-lost love or to find that her feelings for him have never truly faded. In need of money, she accepts various private commissions and quickly becomes the sensation of the London season. But that comes crashing to a halt thanks to Max's interference. As if dealing with jealous sopranos, amorous tenors, and shady managers wasn't enough! But Max is instantly contrite and determined to make things right. Can Tessa trust him again? When the misunderstanding that separated them so many years ago is discovered, nothing should be standing in the way of true love, but a dark secret from Tessa's past threatens their future together.
I loved the background subject of this romance. Much time is spent in the theater and in salons, and music is an ever-present theme, contributing nicely to the ambiance and historical atmosphere. I always like seeing star-crossed lovers reunite, but in this case, I felt like I needed to see more of their young love (which I thought we were going to get more of in flashbacks) to feel that their love was true and believe that they still loved each other after so much time. There are a couple of subplots involving Max's mother and Tessa's English relatives that take time away from the main story, and that time could have been put to better use strengthening the reader's understanding of Max and Tessa's young romance. And I felt that Tessa was dragging out their road to happily ever after by holding on to old fears just for the sake of doing so. And finally, the grand sex scene I'd been waiting the whole book for was somewhat ruined by the author's decision to use the rather humorous Italian words for genitalia throughout.
But I still found Secrets of a Soprano to be a mostly enjoyable read, with intriguing subject matter, original characters, and an emotionally satisfying conclusion. Fans of historical romance who are looking for something a little out of the ordinary should find much to admire here.
*This review was originally posted to Romantic Historical Reviews.
April 12, 2016
Miranda Neville’s Secrets of a Soprano is a fabulous second chance romance. Opera singer Teresa “Tessa” Foscari and Lord Allerton, Max Hawthorne, fell in love eleven years ago in Portugal. Unbeknownst to the couple, Max’s mother Lady Clarissa initiated the misunderstanding that caused the couple to separate.
The misunderstanding was the catalyst in Tessa’s decision to pursue her career as an opera singer and to marry Domenico Foscari, her manager. Ms. Neville has created a superb villain in the character of Domenico Foscari. Even though Domenico has died, his presence is felt throughout the entire novel. I loved that Ms. Neville had Domenico create Tessa’s persona of La Divina, the mysterious, perfectly costumed opera star who wore a diamond necklace that was rumored to be a gift from the Tsar. La Divina was known for throwing china when she was angry and it was assumed by all that she was loved by her husband and very wealthy.
Penniless, Tessa has travelled to London to sing at the Tavistock Opera. She meets Max, now known as Lord Allerton, at a society gathering. Max insults Tessa who becomes upset and throws a goblet of wine at him which splatters all over his suit. Everyone witnesses the argument. The characters of Tessa and Max resonated with me. I appreciated that Tessa knew she had to work to support herself and to become her own person; not the character that her late husband created. Tessa made a poor choice when she married her husband. He was a good manger, not a loyal husband. There was no love or respect in their marriage.
Max’s interest in all things opera intensified after his relationship with Tessa ended. He travelled abroad and visited many opera theaters before he built his own opera house in London, the Regent. Tessa’s sold out performances at the rival Tavistock theater have impacted Max’s theater in a negative way. Another misunderstanding between the couple impacts Tessa financially. Ms. Neville is known for writing excellent dialogue and the scenes between Max and Tessa sizzle off the pages in this novel. Even after eleven years, their attraction is very powerful and the author does a fabulous job with pacing of the couple’s relationship.
Loved that the novel took place in London and that most of the plot revolved around the Tavistock and the Regent opera houses. The competition between the theaters was intense and I loved that Tessa and Max worked for rival theaters. This element worked well within the storyline. The secondary characters are well -defined and add to the plotline. Loved Lady Clarissa and Simon Lindo and their relationship with Max. Secrets of a Soprano is an engaging novel that has several unexpected plot twists. Max and Tessa’s romance captivated me and I wondered if they could forgive each other’s past mistakes.
The ending of the novel was perfect---Kudos to Miranda Neville for another fabulous novel!
The misunderstanding was the catalyst in Tessa’s decision to pursue her career as an opera singer and to marry Domenico Foscari, her manager. Ms. Neville has created a superb villain in the character of Domenico Foscari. Even though Domenico has died, his presence is felt throughout the entire novel. I loved that Ms. Neville had Domenico create Tessa’s persona of La Divina, the mysterious, perfectly costumed opera star who wore a diamond necklace that was rumored to be a gift from the Tsar. La Divina was known for throwing china when she was angry and it was assumed by all that she was loved by her husband and very wealthy.
Penniless, Tessa has travelled to London to sing at the Tavistock Opera. She meets Max, now known as Lord Allerton, at a society gathering. Max insults Tessa who becomes upset and throws a goblet of wine at him which splatters all over his suit. Everyone witnesses the argument. The characters of Tessa and Max resonated with me. I appreciated that Tessa knew she had to work to support herself and to become her own person; not the character that her late husband created. Tessa made a poor choice when she married her husband. He was a good manger, not a loyal husband. There was no love or respect in their marriage.
Max’s interest in all things opera intensified after his relationship with Tessa ended. He travelled abroad and visited many opera theaters before he built his own opera house in London, the Regent. Tessa’s sold out performances at the rival Tavistock theater have impacted Max’s theater in a negative way. Another misunderstanding between the couple impacts Tessa financially. Ms. Neville is known for writing excellent dialogue and the scenes between Max and Tessa sizzle off the pages in this novel. Even after eleven years, their attraction is very powerful and the author does a fabulous job with pacing of the couple’s relationship.
Loved that the novel took place in London and that most of the plot revolved around the Tavistock and the Regent opera houses. The competition between the theaters was intense and I loved that Tessa and Max worked for rival theaters. This element worked well within the storyline. The secondary characters are well -defined and add to the plotline. Loved Lady Clarissa and Simon Lindo and their relationship with Max. Secrets of a Soprano is an engaging novel that has several unexpected plot twists. Max and Tessa’s romance captivated me and I wondered if they could forgive each other’s past mistakes.
The ending of the novel was perfect---Kudos to Miranda Neville for another fabulous novel!
April 20, 2016
La Divina or Just a Diva? SECRETS OF A SOPRANO by Miranda Neville
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
E-Galley provided by Ms. Neville for review. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.
La Divina, the diva, Tessa Foscari takes center stage as the most developed character in this story of the life and love of an opera star of the Regency era.
Miranda Neville is an opera lover and has written much in the Regency Romance genre. It makes both aspects the natural setting for this new Romance.
It’s also natural that the diva should be a more developed character than the beau.
Miranda always seems to have women’s issues in mind when she writes: whether it is the story of the Spittalfields mills or, men dying and leaving their wives with crushing debts and no way to repay them, or in this case the treachery of husbands and theatrical management in an age when women had virtually no property rights.
And, even though we now have property rights, treacherous spouses still abound in an industry where artistry and business law collide. WHen the artist is younger or more into the art than the money or contract law, it leaves a space for unscrupulous lovers to fill their own pockets at the expense of the talent’s coffers.
There is a lot of sexual tension. But, I felt Neville was holding back on the rage and other feelings that made Tessa behave as she does: with gibbering fright or spectacular rages. There is a secret here, but Neville leaves it a little too long in the reveal and it makes the Divina feel like another temperamental star.
There are some interesting twists and one proves a backdrop for the question of the identity of the celebrity; Max wonders if Tessa is the girl he knew or this hardened celebrity with royal lovers. Race and religion also show themselves as issues in in the book that’s another issue that is still in play today.
I really like Neville’s word choice – she has an amazing vocabulary and I loved some of the choices she made and felt good about looking them up.
All in all it is a pleasant and enjoyable book offering an interesting view of the the world of Regency opera and theatre,a nd the problems arising from the position of a woman without means in the professional world.
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
E-Galley provided by Ms. Neville for review. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions presented herein are my own except as noted.
La Divina, the diva, Tessa Foscari takes center stage as the most developed character in this story of the life and love of an opera star of the Regency era.
Miranda Neville is an opera lover and has written much in the Regency Romance genre. It makes both aspects the natural setting for this new Romance.
It’s also natural that the diva should be a more developed character than the beau.
Miranda always seems to have women’s issues in mind when she writes: whether it is the story of the Spittalfields mills or, men dying and leaving their wives with crushing debts and no way to repay them, or in this case the treachery of husbands and theatrical management in an age when women had virtually no property rights.
And, even though we now have property rights, treacherous spouses still abound in an industry where artistry and business law collide. WHen the artist is younger or more into the art than the money or contract law, it leaves a space for unscrupulous lovers to fill their own pockets at the expense of the talent’s coffers.
There is a lot of sexual tension. But, I felt Neville was holding back on the rage and other feelings that made Tessa behave as she does: with gibbering fright or spectacular rages. There is a secret here, but Neville leaves it a little too long in the reveal and it makes the Divina feel like another temperamental star.
There are some interesting twists and one proves a backdrop for the question of the identity of the celebrity; Max wonders if Tessa is the girl he knew or this hardened celebrity with royal lovers. Race and religion also show themselves as issues in in the book that’s another issue that is still in play today.
I really like Neville’s word choice – she has an amazing vocabulary and I loved some of the choices she made and felt good about looking them up.
All in all it is a pleasant and enjoyable book offering an interesting view of the the world of Regency opera and theatre,a nd the problems arising from the position of a woman without means in the professional world.
April 11, 2016
London - 1818
Maximillian (Max) Hawthorne, Viscount Allerton, is quite taken with the singing voice of a soprano, Teresa (Tessa) Foscari, a.k.a., La Foscari and LaDivinia, and he realizes that her talent is far superior to any that he offers at the Regent Opera House. Now, Max has decided to try and steal her away from the Tavistock Theater by offering her more money. She is singing at the Tavistock Theater which is managed by Bartholomew Mortimer, a rival to the Regent.
Tessa has taken the job with Mortimer as she desperately needs money. However, he is proving to be a crude and pushy man reminding her that she is actually under contract to him.
In hopes of getting to see Tessa, Max sends a note inviting her to dinner, but she accepts another peer’s invitation. Max is thinking that Tessa may be the young girl he met years ago when he was just 19. He believes that she may actually be Tessa Burkett with whom he had had an affair many years ago. When they are reintroduced, they both realize that they did indeed know each other in the past. Tessa is still attracted to him and he to her. However, her reputation as having had many high level lovers in the past makes him very angry to which she reacts with disdain.
As the Regent Opera House struggles along, the Tavistock is filled with people wanting to hear La Davinia sing. However, the fear that Tessa may not be paid by Mortimer frightens her because she did not get legal advice before signing her contract with him which may be filled with loopholes.
Max’s mother is pushing him to give up the theater, get married, and provide her with grandchildren.
Max and Tessa are truly attracted to one another but both are too stubborn to give in to their emotions. Can they learn to trust each other?
In this story, I did not like either Tessa or Max. Tessa’s tendency to throw china shows me an immature woman with no self-control. For Max to spend so much time with a struggling Opera House when he should be busy with his property, investments, and family also says he’s immature.
I have enjoyed the author’s novels in the past, but this one is not a favorite.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Maximillian (Max) Hawthorne, Viscount Allerton, is quite taken with the singing voice of a soprano, Teresa (Tessa) Foscari, a.k.a., La Foscari and LaDivinia, and he realizes that her talent is far superior to any that he offers at the Regent Opera House. Now, Max has decided to try and steal her away from the Tavistock Theater by offering her more money. She is singing at the Tavistock Theater which is managed by Bartholomew Mortimer, a rival to the Regent.
Tessa has taken the job with Mortimer as she desperately needs money. However, he is proving to be a crude and pushy man reminding her that she is actually under contract to him.
In hopes of getting to see Tessa, Max sends a note inviting her to dinner, but she accepts another peer’s invitation. Max is thinking that Tessa may be the young girl he met years ago when he was just 19. He believes that she may actually be Tessa Burkett with whom he had had an affair many years ago. When they are reintroduced, they both realize that they did indeed know each other in the past. Tessa is still attracted to him and he to her. However, her reputation as having had many high level lovers in the past makes him very angry to which she reacts with disdain.
As the Regent Opera House struggles along, the Tavistock is filled with people wanting to hear La Davinia sing. However, the fear that Tessa may not be paid by Mortimer frightens her because she did not get legal advice before signing her contract with him which may be filled with loopholes.
Max’s mother is pushing him to give up the theater, get married, and provide her with grandchildren.
Max and Tessa are truly attracted to one another but both are too stubborn to give in to their emotions. Can they learn to trust each other?
In this story, I did not like either Tessa or Max. Tessa’s tendency to throw china shows me an immature woman with no self-control. For Max to spend so much time with a struggling Opera House when he should be busy with his property, investments, and family also says he’s immature.
I have enjoyed the author’s novels in the past, but this one is not a favorite.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2016
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC (advance reader copy) for this delightful book, in exchange for my review of it. The words are honest, true, and all my own. There may be mild spoilers, for those who are sensitive to such things. So here we go!
Opera darling Theresa Foscari -- La Divina -- has a secret. Actually, she has many, but I will leave those for the other readers to discover. She sings for the season at one of London's two opera houses, to packed houses and high acclaim. Lord Max Allerton co-owns the other opera house in town, and when he lays eyes on La Divina, he wonders if she is indeed Tessa Birkett, the love that he lost when he was but a teen.
I liked how this book unfolded the plot, like opening a gift. We know there's at least one secret in the book -- it's in the title -- but I enjoyed how things were teased and then developed later on.
The main characters were interesting enough to keep me reading. They were not the typical sort of hero/heroine pair that I've encountered in previous romance novels, and that was refreshing. There was connection between them from the outset, that was gently developed over the book's length. The only part of their growing relationship that gave me pause was how quickly some of Tessa's bedroom issues were resolved, but I was willing to roll with it.
The supporting characters were colorful and served to round out the cast quite well. I enjoyed the development of the story between Simon and Max's mother, Lady Clarissa. Tessa's staff were funny and loyal people, and it was fun to watch them interact.
I learned a lot about opera from this book -- it's always nice to pick up knowledge from a novel, like a bonus. The writing was well assembled and descriptive without being overly flowery, and the plot moved along at a good pace -- not too fast or too slow. There were some typos, but since this was an ARC, I expected and disregarded them.
All in all, a very engaging read!
Opera darling Theresa Foscari -- La Divina -- has a secret. Actually, she has many, but I will leave those for the other readers to discover. She sings for the season at one of London's two opera houses, to packed houses and high acclaim. Lord Max Allerton co-owns the other opera house in town, and when he lays eyes on La Divina, he wonders if she is indeed Tessa Birkett, the love that he lost when he was but a teen.
I liked how this book unfolded the plot, like opening a gift. We know there's at least one secret in the book -- it's in the title -- but I enjoyed how things were teased and then developed later on.
The main characters were interesting enough to keep me reading. They were not the typical sort of hero/heroine pair that I've encountered in previous romance novels, and that was refreshing. There was connection between them from the outset, that was gently developed over the book's length. The only part of their growing relationship that gave me pause was how quickly some of Tessa's bedroom issues were resolved, but I was willing to roll with it.
The supporting characters were colorful and served to round out the cast quite well. I enjoyed the development of the story between Simon and Max's mother, Lady Clarissa. Tessa's staff were funny and loyal people, and it was fun to watch them interact.
I learned a lot about opera from this book -- it's always nice to pick up knowledge from a novel, like a bonus. The writing was well assembled and descriptive without being overly flowery, and the plot moved along at a good pace -- not too fast or too slow. There were some typos, but since this was an ARC, I expected and disregarded them.
All in all, a very engaging read!
April 9, 2016
First let me say that I will read anything Miranda Neville writes, and I have!! Her books are well written with intelligent characters who have a deep morale core, are not necessarily beautiful but have tons of sex appeal and witty, snappy dialogue.
Teresa Foscari is a famous opera singer who is singing in London for the first time. She has sung all over the world for Kings and Emperors, but she is hiding a secret. She is broke and needs the money from her new engagement at the Tavistock Theater. There is also the chance that she will run into the only man she has ever loved. She was very young at the time and his betrayal drove her into the arms of her late husband, who was a thief, a wastrel and unfaithful
Maximilian Hawthorne is a lover of Opera and has financed and built an Opera House in London. When he hears that Teresa is singing at his rivals theater he cannot resist going and listening to her. She is still striking and her voice is astounding, even better than when he was younger. She is the reason that he loves Opera. They met years ago and fell in love. He was going to marry her and travel the world listening to her sing. But she betrayed him and has vowed never to love or get married. Now she is in London and he doesn't know how he feels.
This story is beautiful and unique and I loved every minute of it. Max and Teresa are made for each other, but will the past keep them apart or bring them together? I recommend that you read this book and if you not read any of Miranda's books, do so, you will not regret it.
Received a complimentary copy from the author for an honest review.
Teresa Foscari is a famous opera singer who is singing in London for the first time. She has sung all over the world for Kings and Emperors, but she is hiding a secret. She is broke and needs the money from her new engagement at the Tavistock Theater. There is also the chance that she will run into the only man she has ever loved. She was very young at the time and his betrayal drove her into the arms of her late husband, who was a thief, a wastrel and unfaithful
Maximilian Hawthorne is a lover of Opera and has financed and built an Opera House in London. When he hears that Teresa is singing at his rivals theater he cannot resist going and listening to her. She is still striking and her voice is astounding, even better than when he was younger. She is the reason that he loves Opera. They met years ago and fell in love. He was going to marry her and travel the world listening to her sing. But she betrayed him and has vowed never to love or get married. Now she is in London and he doesn't know how he feels.
This story is beautiful and unique and I loved every minute of it. Max and Teresa are made for each other, but will the past keep them apart or bring them together? I recommend that you read this book and if you not read any of Miranda's books, do so, you will not regret it.
Received a complimentary copy from the author for an honest review.
April 20, 2016
First I'd like to say that I was given a copy for my honest review. I loved this story, heart warming second chance at love. Teresa Foscari is a talented opera singer who happened to fall in love when she was but a girl of 17 . Max was a young man of 19 who fell in love with Tessa , and he fell in love with opera through Tessa. Unfortunately their happily ever after wasn't meant to be at that point in their lives ....fast forward 11 years and Tessa is a widow and a very famous opera singer but because of her late husband /managers gambling she is left almost penniless . She manages to close a contract to sing in London , where Max now Viscount Allerton runs an opera theatre , of course she is singing at the rival house the Tavistock . He can't believe that Teresa Foscari is the young girl he fell in love with , he knew her as Tessa Birkett. As soon as he hears her and then sees her up close he knows it's her. He can't forget how she broke his heart and treats her really cruel.
And she can't believe how rude he is toward her, almost ruining her career . But their attraction is to strong and they can't fight it, poor Tessa has a secret that she thinks makes her unloveable , can they overcome the obstacles in the way for their second chance of love? Everyone needs a second chance in love. This was my first book that I've read from Miranda Neville and it definitely will not be the last ! She is a very talented writer who weaves an emotional tale that has you by the heartstrings , I personally couldn't put the book down unless I was finished! This book is five stars all the way?
And she can't believe how rude he is toward her, almost ruining her career . But their attraction is to strong and they can't fight it, poor Tessa has a secret that she thinks makes her unloveable , can they overcome the obstacles in the way for their second chance of love? Everyone needs a second chance in love. This was my first book that I've read from Miranda Neville and it definitely will not be the last ! She is a very talented writer who weaves an emotional tale that has you by the heartstrings , I personally couldn't put the book down unless I was finished! This book is five stars all the way?
April 18, 2016
A refreshingly different story which features an opera singer and the lord who seems beyond her reach. I’ve always loved second chance at love stories and this one is wonderful. Tessa fell in love with Max when she was 17 and just beginning her singing career. He was 19 and fell in love with Tessa as well as opera, but of course he wasn’t allowed to carry on a relationship with someone like her. Now it’s years later, Tessa’s conniving Italian husband has died, leaving her a widow and free to make her own arrangements, so she has accepted a singing engagement in London, where she will cross paths with Max, since he now owns a lovely little opera house and is very much a part of the music scene. As usually happens in these situations, they were both misled as to what happened years ago and both believe the worst of each other, which causes sparks to fly when they encounter one another. I loved the chance to learn about opera and the magnificent singers of regency times. I found it all fascinating and Tessa was such an interesting and complex character. I really wanted her to find happiness after all she had gone through with her despicable husband, she deserved to have a chance at love. I wasn’t worried about Max, he had such a privileged life, he could have anything he wanted, but I was glad he chose Tessa, no matter what it cost him. I really enjoy this author’s work and look forward to reading more of her stories in the future.
April 18, 2016
I really enjoyed Miranda Neville's latest book featuring a wealthy lord and a star of the opera. I haven't read many books that offer a view into the opera world during the Regency period and found all the details that were included in the book to be very fascinating. Teresa Fascari is the leading soprano in Europe and after the death of her husband agrees to sing for a London opera house. Known as temperamental and a mistress to powerful leaders, Teresa, or Tessa, is in England hoping to find out more about her father's family as well as start to plan a life after the opera. Max, Viscount Allerton is fascinated by the opera to the point where he has just opened a new opera house in which he is a partner; after a bet with his mother, he will be forced to marry a woman of her choosing if he can't make the opera house profitable without using any more of his money. Max and Tessa are like fire and oil and everytime they are together, they ignite. Believing the worst about each other after events of five years ago, they both continue to make mistakes. Once Max realizes he wrong about Tessa, his attempts to prove himself worthy of her are swoon worthy. Tessa's behavior makes sense once her relationship with her husband is revealed; he was truly an awful person and his legacy takes an enormous leap of faith in Max for Tessa to finally put it behind her.
April 14, 2016
This is a wonderful and unique book! Not the same story you've read before. I couldn't put it down. The hero, Max, aka Viscount Allerton, met his true love in Portugal at an early age and had his heart broken. He followed his passion for opera by building the best, if not biggest, theater in London. When the famous, or infamous, soprano, Teresa Foscari, sings at a rival theater he knows immediately that it's the girl who broke his heart, Tessa Birkett. Tessa never knew why Max left without a word to her so she focused on her career, marrying a man that used her and spent all of her money before he died. She doesn't trust men, especially Max.
Finding their happy ever after is a journey you won't want to miss. I also enjoyed Max's meddling mother, Lady Clarissa, and his theater's manager, Simon Lindo. Tessa'a cousin, Jacobin, is another unique heroine featured in Miranda Neville's first book "Never Resist Temptation". If you missed it, be sure to read it. It's been on my keeper shelf a long time.
Finding their happy ever after is a journey you won't want to miss. I also enjoyed Max's meddling mother, Lady Clarissa, and his theater's manager, Simon Lindo. Tessa'a cousin, Jacobin, is another unique heroine featured in Miranda Neville's first book "Never Resist Temptation". If you missed it, be sure to read it. It's been on my keeper shelf a long time.
July 27, 2016
I did really like this one. It should get a 4 star rating from me, but I think I'm in a lull and can't be overly impressed by anything I read right now. That or this one was slightly dull, even though it wasn't?
You've got your reunited lovers, a past misunderstanding, a woman with issues stemming from a bad marriage, and love that never really faded. There were some touching moments, and some sad ones. Neville clearly did a bit of research into the world of regency theater and performers, but it never felt like she was info-dumping her research on us.
Tessa and Max of course work out their differences (after some bad mistakes get made), and they don't kiss and make up in the last 5 pages; they begin building a relationship maybe three-quarters of the way through. So you actually feel a relationship building and happening, no wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am here. So that was a nice change of pace.
There is sex, but it's tastefully done and not overly descriptive.
You've got your reunited lovers, a past misunderstanding, a woman with issues stemming from a bad marriage, and love that never really faded. There were some touching moments, and some sad ones. Neville clearly did a bit of research into the world of regency theater and performers, but it never felt like she was info-dumping her research on us.
Tessa and Max of course work out their differences (after some bad mistakes get made), and they don't kiss and make up in the last 5 pages; they begin building a relationship maybe three-quarters of the way through. So you actually feel a relationship building and happening, no wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am here. So that was a nice change of pace.
There is sex, but it's tastefully done and not overly descriptive.
April 10, 2016
I am a big fan of Miranda Neville's books! I especially enjoyed this one as it's a bit of a departure from most historical romances in its subject matter. It was interesting to get a glimpse into the life of a celebrated opera star of that day...I actually learned quite a bit! The hero and heroine were also absorbing as they had to work their way back into each other's lives after an 11-year absence...an absence that each mistakenly blamed the other for instigating. I enjoyed following Tessa's growth and her strength in overcoming trust issues. I would have liked to have a more in-depth view of Max, but did feel that he grew some as well into a passionate and understanding hero for his long-lost lady. All in all, a wonderful love story made even more terrific by the insight into the career choice of the heroine!
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2018
Teresa Foscari, Europe’s most famous opera singer, comes to London to make a fresh start and find her long lost English family. Her peerless voice thrills everyone—except Maximilian Hawthorne, Viscount Allerton, the wealthy owner of a rival opera house. Notorious Teresa Foscari is none other than Tessa, the innocent girl who broke his youthful heart. Yet Max still wants her, like no other woman.
Amidst backstage intrigue and the sumptuous soirées of fashionable London, the couple’s rivalry explodes in bitter accusations and smashed china. Tessa must fight for her career—and resist her attraction to Max, the man she once loved and who now holds the power to destroy her.
April 5, 2016
A marriage made in heaven: the world of opera and the sublime writing of Miranda Neville! If you don't know opera, you will discover it, if you do, you will be thrilled! Ms. Neville perfectly captures that wonderful art form seldom seen in books, the characters are wonderfully complex and captivating, the romance will make your heart soar!
I knew SECRETS OF A SOPRANO had the makings for a fabulous book, and as usual, Miranda Neville does not disappoint; a most wonderful read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I knew SECRETS OF A SOPRANO had the makings for a fabulous book, and as usual, Miranda Neville does not disappoint; a most wonderful read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2016
This book was unique in that it featured a soprano. The subject of opera singers was well-researched and woven into the story. I felt these small details added a richness to the story.
The heroine in this story had a lot to work through emotionally. The hero was patient with her yet flawed. I did love that he recognized when his actions were wrong and he not only apologized but took action to make amends.
The story held my interest and I eagerly read the next chapters to find out how the story ended.
I received an eArc in exchange for a review.
The heroine in this story had a lot to work through emotionally. The hero was patient with her yet flawed. I did love that he recognized when his actions were wrong and he not only apologized but took action to make amends.
The story held my interest and I eagerly read the next chapters to find out how the story ended.
I received an eArc in exchange for a review.
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