Four stories. Four strong women. And the men who love them.If you like marriage-of-convenience stories with a touch of mystery and swoon worthy kisses that will tug at your heartstrings and keep you up till the wee hours of the morning, then you’ll love these four novels. Grab them now and start reading today!This box set by USA Today bestselling author Bree Wolf contains the books 9 – 12 of the … contains the books 9 – 12 of the Love’s Second Chance Series, over 1000 pages filled with intense relationships and love.
#9 Condemned & Admired – The Earl’s Cunning Wife
A French privateer’s daughter. A marquess’s son. And a chance encounter on the high seas.
VIOLET WINTERS, a French privateer’s daughter who fled England with her mother when she was a little girl, takes the chance to return to her home country unrecognised when fate delivers an English lord into her hands. OLIVER CORNELL, EARL OF CULLINGWOOD, fascinated by the adventurous gleam in her eyes, does not hesitate to offer his assistance…and pose as her husband.
Can a privateer’s daughter and a marquess’s son ever have a happily-ever-after?
#10 Trapped & Liberated – The Privateer’s Bold Beloved
An English lady. A French privateer. And a chance encounter that was destined to be.
Trapped in an arranged marriage, ALEXANDRA WINTERS, LADY SILCOX, has abandoned every hope of true love. Her only happiness comes from her six year old daughter. Until one night when destiny leads Alexandra down to the beach below Silcox Manor and into the arms of the French privateer, ANTOINE DURET.
Can there be a happily-ever-after for an English lady and a French privateer?
#11 Oppressed & Empowered – The Viscount’s Capable Wife
A woman with the desire to heal. A lord with a shameful secret. And a contract that binds them together.
Called to Farnworth Manor, EVELYN PROCTEN is thrown into the path of RICHARD DAVENPORT, VISCOUNT ASHWOOD, a man she’s loved from a distance for many years. A man who has never looked at her twice. A man who disapproves of her professional ambitions. But when there is suddenly a chance for a happily-ever-after for them, will Evelyn follow her head or her heart?
#12 Destroyed & Restored – The Baron’s Courages Wife
A fearful lady. A shamed lord. And a hand at cards that will change both their lives.
When her father loses her hand in a game of cards, LADY ADELAIDE turns to an old friend for help. Before she knows what is happening, she finds herself married to a stranger by the name of MATTHEW TURNER, a young baron, who harbors a secret affection for her. Is there a chance for a happily-ever-after after all?
Love’s Second Chance Series
#1 Forgotten & Remembered – The Dukes Late Wife (Rosabel & Graham)
#2 Cursed & Cherished – The Duke’s Wilful Wife (Anna & Edmond)
#3 Despised & Desired – The Marquess’ Passionate Wife (Ellie & Frederick)
#4 Abandoned & Protected – The Marquis’ Tenacious Wife (Henrietta & Connor)
#5 Ruined & Redeemed – The Earl’s Fallen Wife (Charlotte & Sebastian)
#6 Betrayed & Blessed – The Viscount’s Shrewd Wife (Beth & Tristan)
#7 Deceived & Honoured – The Baron’s Vexing Wife (Madeleine & Derek)
#8 Sacrificed & Reclaimed – The Solider’s Daring Widow (Meagan & Edward)
Love’s Second Chance Series: Highland Tales
#1 Tamed & Unleashed – The Highlander’s Vivacious Wife (Claudia & Garrett)
#2 Dared & Kissed – The Scotsman’s Yuletide Bride (Emma & Finn) coming soon
#3 Banished & Welcomed – The Laird’s Reckless Wife (Moira & Cormag)
#4 Haunted & Revered – The Scotsman’s Destined Love (Deidre & Alastair)
#5 Fooled & Enlightened – The Englishman’s Scottish Wife (Maggie & Nathan)
Each love story in this series can be read as a stand-alone. However, most readers prefer to read them in order.more
ONE ENTHRALLING COLLECTION!!!
Crap on toast! Scenes, characters, location and details are written with such realism there’s no trouble interpreting each scenario as they play out catapulting this baby to life colorfully. Twixt and twined and stretched to unbelievable limits blasting this baby together piece by piece flawlessly. Pushing through all the trials and tribulations along with intense storylines and swirling plots mixed with those spinning emotions that propels this baby to life beautifully. The realism and authenticity of the characters as their on point personalities blend and connect along with the graphically detailed scenes that thrust this little jewel together smooth as silk. Fantastic job Bree, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
10. Book 9: Condemned and Admired- the Earl’s Cunning Wife also Tales of Damsels and Knights book 3: 5 stars
I received a free copy of the clean historical novel Condemned and Admired- the Earl’s Cunning Wife: Love’s Second Chances book 9/ Tales of Damsels and Knights book 3: by Bree Wolf and this review was given freely.
Violet now 18 loves her family and the life of a Privateer but coincidence, well intentions, irony, and a little subterfuge in the form of a fake marriage to Oliver the Earl of Cullingwood place Violet back in the restricting life of British Nobility and back together with the man she was promised to as a child. This is a well-written romance with a complex plot involving a meeting on the high seas, lots of drama, answered prayers, the true meaning of family, breaking with tradition, and of course true love. This novel contains some violence, expresses the harshness that can be found in the British aristocracy, is suspenseful, action-packed, and ends in a hook.
11. Book 10: Trapped and Liberated- The Privateer’s Bold Beloved also Tales of Damsels and Knights book 4: 5 stars
I received a free copy of the clean historical novella Trapped and Liberated- The Privateer’s Bold Beloved: Love’s Second Chances Book 10/Tales of Damsels and Knights book 4 by Bree Wolf and this review was given freely.
Alexandra and Antoine’s romance is one of escaping the controlling English aristocracy’s habit of selling daughters into marriage for gain and that of finding an everlasting true love when you least expect it. Seamless and smooth flow this is a complete and fulfilling sweet romance. I could feel the emotions between Antoine and his father, Antoine, and Henri and Antoine and Alexandra. This is a well-written sweet romance and an excellent precursor to Condemned and Admired or Violet’s story.
12. Book 11: Oppressed and Empowered: The Viscount’s Capable Wife also Tales of Damsels and Knights book 5:5 stars
I received a free copy of the clean historical novel Oppressed and Empowered: The Viscount’s Capable Wife: Love’s Second Chance Series Book 11/Tales of Damsels and Knights book 5 by Bree Wolf and this review was given freely.
Best if read in series. Contains social conflicts and a cliffhanger.
Evelyn and Lord Richard Ashford’s romance is a sweet historical winter-based novel of opposites both in both personality and belief in a woman’s ability to have a career, an arranged marriage, and that of hidden attraction realized. Suspenseful with some twists, multiple conflicts, an ailing father, a loving mother, an unplanned pregnancy, a well-meaning brother who guards his emotions, and a young woman advocating her right to be a Doctor are just of the few of the things that make this novel interesting while reflecting concerns of the era. Although there is a happy ending for Evelyn and Richard, this novel does end in a cliffhanger.
13. Book 12: Destroyed & Restored: The Baron’s Courageous Wife also Tales of book 6: 5 stars
I received a free copy of the novel Love’s Second Chance Series book #12: Destroyed & Restored: The Baron’s Courageous Wife by Bree Wolf and this review was given freely.
Matthew suffering from regret, insecurity regarding his self worth and nightmares after a duel gone wrong vows to do anything his cousin Tristan requires.
Coincidence and a threat to use Lady Adelaide as collateral at a card game embroils Matthew Baron Whitworth in a marriage of convenience to the woman he has been secretly attracted to. Complexed, interesting, and easy flowing this novel focuses on such topics as legitimacy and birthright vs blood and emotions as the true meaning of family and recovering from abuse. There are some twists and secrets but the end is ultimately heartwarming.
Third box set of a series of second chances. It is a complete world of characters that is so well developed that the author keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next.
The characters face hard challenges some with major consequences but rise up to be better and find themselves.
Each can be read as a stand alone book but I enjoy seeing each of the interactions of the characters from other books. It makes them each more enhanced.
I especially enjoyed the story with the autistic character as I could see my son in many of the attributes the author portrayed so well.
I look forward to reading more of the series!
Condemned & Admired – The Earl’s Cunning Wife
Twelve years ago, Lady Silcox fled England with her six-year-old daughter Violet to spare her the life she herself had been forced into: an arranged marriage to an older man.
Today, Violet Winters is a grown woman sailing the seas on her French stepfather’s privateer the Chevalier Noir, dreaming of commandeering a ship of her own. However, when she stumbles upon a betrothal announcement of the man she was set to marry, Violet cannot help but feel honour-bound to protect the woman who had been forced to take her place.
Oliver Cornell, Earl Of Cullingwood, is trapped in a life he abhors. Seen only as an heir, he dreams of a life of freedom. By sheer happenstance, Oliver ends up on a merchant vessel, which is promptly boarded by a French privateer. On board the Chevalier Noir, Oliver meets the captain’s daughter, a woman unlike any other he has ever met. Utterly fascinated by the adventurous gleam in her eyes, he does not hesitate to offer his assistance when Violet finds herself in need of a guide to London’s upper society.
Another engrossing read from the author, the pace of the story flows very well, the characterisations have depth the good guys are very likeable & the bad are horrid. Oliver & Violet are immediately attracted to each other but she is determined to live her own life. There are some twists along the way as well as arranged marriages & a kidnapping. I liked that there were appearances from characters in previous books & the promise of more books to come in the series as Juliet & Henri are made for each other. I would have liked a certain Marquis to have suffered far more! But that’s my only quibble to a well written, well paced book
Trapped Liberated – The Privateer’s Bold Beloved
4.5 Stars
When Alexandra Winters now Lady Silcox was a little girl she dreamed of love and the one man who would steal her heart. However, when her family needs her to agree to a sensible match in order to see her brother happily married, Alexandra gives up on finding love for herself. Now Alexandra is trapped in an arranged marriage, her hope for love dashed, and her only happiness comes from her six year old daughter Violet. Until one night when destiny leads Alexandra down to the beach below Silcox Manor and into the arms of a French privateer.
After years of biding his time, Antoine Duret is finally made Captain of the Destinée, a French privateer. All his life, he has dreamed of nothing but sailing the seas, ignoring his father’s mumblings of finding the woman destined for him. Although he loves his family and enjoys taking his nephew Henri on board, Antoine cannot imagine tying himself to another.
Until one night when an irresistible pull guides him to an English beach and a young lady tumbles into his arms.
A lovely novella that I read in a sitting it tells the story of how Alexandra & Antoine met & fell in love. A case of love at first sight, a woman who sacrificed herself so that her brother could marry his love now can live the life she deserves & a man who’s very sceptical about finding true love. I really enjoy the authors books, they are wel written & are lovely romances
Oppressed & Empowered: The Viscount’s Capable Wife
Evelyn Procten has always tended to those in need. Despite social convention, the only future Evelyn can see for herself is that of a doctor, until she is called to Farnworth Manor to tend to the young viscount’s sister Claudia, who finds herself unmarried and with child. Her stay at Farnworth Manor once again throws Evelyn into the path of Lord Ashwood, a man she has loved from a distance for many years. As far as society is concerned, Richard Davenport, Viscount Ashwood, is a cold-hearted and uncaring man. Although he does not overly care for society’s opinion of him, he cannot deny that there is truth in their assessment. Determined to maintain his sister’s secret, Richard keeps her locked away at Farnworth Manor. Still, in order to ensure his sister’s well-being, he is forced to call upon the one woman who has always been able to melt the ice from his heart.
Another well written book from the author, this is part of a series but could be read on its own. There are appearances from some characters of earlier books & It was enjoyable to find out what has been happening to them. Evelyn is a strong woman who really grows to fully understand Richard & his difficulties & it was so touching how she used that understanding to help him. Richard is misunderstood but likeable. I simply loved their love story & I was captivated all the way through. Another worthy addition to this outstanding series
Destroyed & Restored: The Baron’s Courageous Wife
Terrified of her father’s temper, Lady Adelaide has lived a life of complete obedience. Now her father threatens to gamble away her hand in marriage in the next card game. Her grandmother hears of the plan & hatches her own plan. After allowing his father to manipulate him all his life, Matthew Turner, Baron Whitworth, sees himself as the black sheep of the family, distrusted by all. So, when his cousin Tristan asks for his help to save a raven-haired lady from a painful marriage, he agrees immediately. Before long, Matthew comes to realise that the woman he is to protect is the very woman he has been admiring from afar for a while.
A lovely, delightful gentle romance, I must admit I thought Adelaide was wishy washy to begin with but the further I read the more I admired her & the gradual way she reacted to Matthew’s teasing was beautifully handled. Of course we met Matthew in Tristan’s story. I liked him, eventually, in that story but I loved how he had matured & now became the man he wanted to be. Another captivating read, this series goes from strength to strength.
One of the delights of the series is how characters from previous books make appearances so building & enlarging Bree’s Regency world. Very well portrayed characters, a well paced story everything for another brilliant read. I read each of these books individually & loved them all & highly recommend this box set for hours of reading pleasure
An excellent set of novels that I enjoyed reading. Some I received as ARCs, others I read from my KU account. They are clean enough for younger teens, yet well written for all ages to enjoy. Below I have posted my reviews of each book, a repeat of my original review under the separate books. Overall- 5 star set.
1. Condemned & Admired
What constitutes a family? Is it blood ties? Or is more than blood involved?
What constitutes a family? Is it blood ties? Or is more than blood involved? This is the theme explored in this riveting tale combining the Regency Era romance with a tale of pirates (a.k.a privateers).
A drunken earl is bundled aboard an English vessel, as an intended “sailor”, albeit involuntarily on his part. Upon awakening, he is discovered by the captain who is distressed to learn that a member of the peerage has been the victim of his sailor’s “recruiting” efforts. By a quirk of fate, the English ship then becomes victim to a French Privateer’s vessel, sailed by a family solidly united in their sailing endeavors. The Earl, Oliver, is taken aboard the French ship, which had been headed for England, and intends to resume its course after the capture of the English ship and cargo.
The Earl is struck by the closeness, respect and love of the family members for each other, lacking these things from his cold, calculating father. When he is returned to England and his father, the contrast is made more clear by interactions with his own father, as well as observing the father of his beloved Violet coldly dealing with the members of her family. He comes to see the wisdom in Violet’s words to him:
“ Realise who you love and protect them!
Realise what you want and go get it!
Realise who you are and stay true to yourself!”
How Oliver comes to appreciate these words and puts them into practice in his life, is the framework around which this delightful story is built.
This is a clean book, with admirable H & h and has a HEA ending. There is enough action in the story to hold the attention of any reader, and the book is well written, making it a pleasure to read. As there are a few “hooks” visible in the last chapter, I suspect these will be used to catch additional stories in the future, to enlarge this delightful world Ms. Wolf has created. I await them with interest.
I did receive this book as an ARC. My review is voluntary and my honest opinion, as I want to encourage others to enjoy this story.
5 Stars
2. Trapped & Liberated
On a dark and stormy night, a French privateer and a lovelorn lady find true love.
SETTING: Touching back-story of Alexandra Sombersby and Antoine Duret, whom we met in an earlier story, “Condemned & Admired’. We meet both of them as children with loving parents. Alexandra’s mother was a hands-on mother, devoted to her child and teaching her to watch for her true love when she grew up. However, this loving mother died before Alexandra had even her first season. To allow her brother to marry the love of his life, Alexandra was willing to marry an older man who would raise the family’s status, making her brother acceptable to his prospective in-laws. Thus, she enters into this arranged marriage, thinking that perhaps she will never have the same happiness she sees in her brother.
Antoine’s father, Hubert Duret, has always taught him the importance of family. Hubert is a French privateer, who spends his free time at home with his wife and family, and Antoine has followed in his father’s footsteps becoming a captain in his own right. His father has told Antoine that his other half is out there in the world, somewhere, waiting for him. When Antoine finds her, his father tells Antoine to grab her and not look back, or he will regret having let her go the rest of his life.
SUMMARY: Thus, although both Alexandra and Antoine were raised with the expectation that they will meet their ‘other half’ and live HEA, they have nearly give up on that actually happening. A chance encounter on a dark and stormy night, brings the 2 halves together. Will Alexandra go with Antoine? What will happen to her 6 year old daughter Violet? Where will they live? Will Lord Silox, Alexandra’s husband and Violet’s father, search for them and take them away, back to his loveless home? This story works out all these questions and more, filling in the blanks about Violet’s parents’ past. A book to be cherished on its own, or as part of the saga we have begun with “Love’s Second Chance”.
I received this as a free book. I have voluntarily left a review to encourage others who enjoy Regency Historical Romances to give this book a read. 4 Stars
3. Oppressed & Empowered
A female physician’s struggle for professional recognition in the early 1800’s.
SETTING: Two women’s stories are developed:
one the daughter of a doctor, trained from youth to be a physician learning all of her father’s skills and all she could by reading;
the other, a flighty young woman (sister to the current Viscount) who becomes pregnant after a run to Gretna Green, which fails to produce a marriage certificate, as the groom’s brother intercedes before the ceremony.
The 2 young ladies, Evelyn and Claudia are brought together when Evelyn and her father come to attend Claudia after a fainting spell. Despite vast differences in training, skills, character and social status, both women face similar problems in working out their own lives in the early 1800’s—women are under the power of men, not free to make their own decisions and careers in the general view of society. To effect change, men’s minds have to be convinced, one man at a time. How will Evelyn gain the trust and respect of Richard, Claudia’s older brother, who initially does not want her to care for Claudia? What will it take to earn the respect of an arrogant, new apprentice to Evelyn’s father? Will Evelyn be able to find love and a husband and STILL be viewed as a competent physician in the community? And what of Claudia’s child-must it be surrendered to another couple to escape the disgrace of being a bastard? Will Claudia even have a voice in what is to become of the child?
CRITIQUE: Once again Ms. Wolf has executed a stunning novel, wrestling with complex social issues of the day. She masterfully woven a story depicting women struggling for the right of self-determination in the 1800’s. Yet, there is something more in this novel-an attempt to view the life of a young man struggling with Asperger’s syndrome at a time when such a problem had no name, nor any particular recognition by the medical community or by society. It is with Evelyn’s love and her attempt to understand Richard, that the self-protective shell he has built around himself is cracked, allowing Richard to enjoy life to a fuller extent.
The writing is excellent, the storyline superb—leaving us hungry to know…..’and then what happens??’ Of course, such a cliff-hanger will have it’s followup in another story. The depiction of how difficult it was (and often times still is) for women to be looked upon as having the same level of competence a man has, is right on target. The qualities Evelyn shows of quiet confidence and careful observation, truly are important qualities in any practicing physician. So, with excellent writing, a true grasp of the difficulties of women physicians and pregnant single women in the 1800’s, we have an outstanding novel for our enjoyment.
5 Stars
4. Destroyed & Restored
Gambled away by her father! Rescued by a virtual stranger!
SETTING: 1807 (or there about)
The lives of a young woman at the mercy of her gambling father and a young man whose father shot him, change course. Both are scared from their earlier lives, albeit in different ways. Adelaide’s good friend Beth is married to Matthew’s cousin Tristan. When Adelaide confides to Beth the circumstances surrounding her father’s intention of gambling of her hand to try to regain some of his lost fortune, Beth and Tristan ask Matthew to observe Lord Radcliff as he gambles, so that Adelaide can be forewarned if the worst happens. (As it happens, Matthew and Adelaide have never been formally introduced, although Matthew has observed Adelaide at various social functions in the past).
Thus, the stage is set for Matthew and Adelaide to meet.
An additional storyline that is woven throughout is that of 2 year old Tillie, who was brought to Adelaide’s house to be raised as the child of her brother. Adelaide has taken over the care of Tillie, and fears for Tillie should she be married off to an uncaring man who wins her in gambling. Tillie’s story takes on more importance as the story progresses. Will Lord Radcliff really gamble Adelaide? Will Matthew be able to intervene in time to save Adelaide from a life under the thumb of a lecherous old man? What will happy to Tillie when Adelaide does marry?
CRITIQUE: The heartbreak of families is brought out for study in the romance story. How Matthew manages to sort out his feelings over his father shooting him, then being killed right in front of him, is examined very sensitively. Adelaide’s life has not been a bed of roses to this point either. She is a young woman who suffered abuse by a selfish, heartless young man who still poses a threat to her (on top of the threat of being gambled away by her father!) This story helps us appreciate how difficult life could be in 1807 for a young woman. The storylines are good, being smoothly woven together. There is a HEA, and the problems are worked out by the end.
I received a free copy of this book. I am voluntarily writing this review. 5 Stars.
Having read the entire series, I am delighted that these four books have come together in one volume.
Condemned & Admired: The Earl’s Cunning Wife: This book is entertaining, keeping the reader’s interest from the opening chapter through to the epilogue. Violet has had an unconventional upbringing as part of her step-father’s crew on board a French privateer. She has been given the rare privilege of being encouraged to make her own choices and as such, she chooses the sea and longs to captain her own ship. Oliver, Earl of Cullingwood has been raised with the expectation that he will marry, produce an heir and generally obey his father’s every command. Their unconventional meeting is the catalyst to an adventure, one that takes Violet back to meet her past, and Oliver to meet his future.
Trapped & Liberated: The Privateer’s Bold Beloved: Alexandra found herself married to an obnoxious man, but she longed for the love that her brother experienced. When she met the one man who could touch her heart, she had to search deep within herself to decide on whether to find happiness or remain entrenched in a system where status was the main criteria in a marriage of convenience. Antoine, on the other hand, grew up with a family who understood and lived by the code of love and even though he never expected it, when he met Alexandra he knew that she was the only answer to the demands of his heart.
Oppressed & Empowered – The Viscount’s Capable Wife: Born before her time in an era where women were not allowed to have a career and had to be satisfied with marriage and homemaking being their ultimate goal, Evelyn finds herself at odds with not only Viscount Ashwood, but the people of the village as well. In spite of his strong views on the subject, Richard Davenport cannot help but be attracted to Evelyn, even though she is way below his station in life, added to which her unorthodox views on doctoring break all his hard-held rules. The Viscount, on the other hand, has his own difficulties and keeping people from discovering his secret, he holds himself to a rigid set of rules. Little was known, both then and now, about the Viscount’s condition and sadly people are no less judgmental when it comes to dealing with victims of disabilities. Slowly but surely Evelyn breaks down Richard barriers and she discovers that under the stern exterior there is a man who feels and cares deeply. This book has to be one of my favourites written by this author.
Destroyed & Restored – The Baron’s Courages Wife: It always amazes me how two people who have been belittled and trampled down, can become the source of healing and restoration for one another. Perhaps it is that they have an understanding of brokenness and are therefore protective of the person they love. Matthew has admired Adelaide from afar, but when he realises that her future happiness is at stake, he is willing to overcome his own fears to save her from her father’s reckless gambling. The story is fairly dark in parts and when past secrets come to the fore, one wonders how Matthew will handle Adelaide’s revelations. It horrifies me to realise that Adelaide was no more than a gambling chip in her father’s estimation, and his careless disregard for his family’s safety and wellbeing is appalling. However, are circumstances any different today for people caught in the cycle of addictions? One could only admire and respect Adelaide, especially when she had the courage to expose her deepest secrets. On the other hand, Matthew is the kind of hero every woman needs, one who will accept her as she is and love her unconditionally.
Each book in this box set is a standalone and comes to a happy conclusion, a copy of which I received as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.