In a “splendid Regency-set debut” for fans of Netflix’s Bridgerton series and bestselling authors Sarah MacLean, Lenora Bell, and Kerrigan Byrne, the rogue who once ruined Lady Charlotte’s reputation is now the only one who can save her (Publishers Weekly, Starred Review). For exactly one season, Lady Charlotte Wentworth played the biddable female the ton expected–and all it got her was … all it got her was society’s mockery and derision. Now she’s determined to be in charge of her own future. So when an unwanted suitor tries to manipulate her into an engagement, she has a plan. He can’t claim to be her fiancé if she’s engaged to someone else. Even if it means asking for help from the last man she would ever marry.
Ethan, Viscount Amesbury, made a lot of mistakes, but the one he regrets the most is ruining Lady Charlotte’s reputation. Going along with her charade is the least he can do to clean the slate and perhaps earn her forgiveness. Pretending to be in love with the woman he’s never forgotten is easy. What isn’t easy is convincing her to give him a second chance.
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An accident brings Lady Charlotte “Lottie” Wentworth and the man who humiliated her during her first (and only) London season seven years ago. As much as she despises Ethan Ridley, Viscount Amesbury, she has no choice but to accept his help. They form a fragile truce and she admits that he does seem like he has changed, but not enough to completely forgive him. They part ways and he wishes her well and hopes to see her in town – not likely!
Lottie is only going to town to find a husband – on her own terms. Her father proposed a match and she declined, so she has until the start of the season to find an acceptable husband or she will have to marry the man her father has chosen. Lottie wants no part of love, she just wants to retire to an estate of her own and live her own life – without a husband getting in the way. At one time she had dreams of happily ever after, which included Ethan, but he showed his true colors and she was dubbed the Paper Doll Princess and became the laughingstock of the ton. Her mother whisked her home and they planned to return in a year, but tragedy struck, first her brother died and then her mother. After that her father locked himself away and Lottie took over the estate management. But recently her dad has taken an interest again, thus her need to find a husband. She finally makes it to London and can’t believe that Ethan is staying next door to her aunt!
Ethan has grown up since the last time he saw Lottie, at that time he was new to his title – a title he never expected. He inherited a debt ridden estate and needed a heiress, he thought Lottie fit the bill, but when her dad sent him packing, he got drunk and said the words that sent her running back to the country in tears and sadly that was not his only mistake – he also cost his clansman Connor his leg in a racing accident. As a result, Ethan has striven to become a better man and for the most part has succeeded. But he is still hobbled by guilt and feels the needs to make amends. He has come to town for two reasons, one to find a brewmaster for his brewery business and to visit his friend Cal, Earl of Carlyle. Cal tells him that his presence was requested at a dinner party – for years Ethan has tried to fit in and has never been accepted, so he is surprised at the invitation. But the reason becomes clear when he arrives and sees Lottie – they have been set up. But Lottie is gracious and plays that they are reconciled – he plays along and becomes intrigued.
They spend time together and form a friendship of sorts. When the man her dad wants her to marry tries to force his hand, she turns to Ethan, she proposes they have a faux engagement to get rid of her annoying suitor and he agrees – but he plans to win her this time! Little by little, he chips away at the wall she has around her heart and finally she agrees to marry him – but old doubts, conniving fathers and spurned suitors will not make their path to HEA easy.
I thought this was a well written story and for a debut it was very good. Overall, the story flowed at a good clip, there were some title/formal address errors, some modern verbiage and at times, I found Lottie hard to like and thought Ethan was a bit of a glutton for punishment. But for the most part, I thought it was well researched and entertaining. There is a lot of emotion, some witty dialogue, great secondary characters, drama, misunderstandings, determined and possibly insane suitors, steamyish love scenes, a bit of angst and heartache and finally, HEA. This is the first book in a new series and I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from this new author.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by the publisher.*
Any Rogue Will Do
Misfits of Mayfair Series #1
Bethany Bennett
https://www.facebook.com/BethanyBennettHistoricalRomance/
Release date 10/13/2020
Publisher Hachette Forever
In a “splendid Regency-set debut” for fans of bestselling authors Sarah MacLean, Lenora Bell, and Kerrigan Byrne, the rogue who once ruined Lady Charlotte’s reputation is now the only one who can save her (Publishers Weekly, Starred Review). For exactly one season, Lady Charlotte Wentworth played the biddable female the ton expected — and all it got her was society’s mockery and derision. Now she’s determined to be in charge of her own future. So when an unwanted suitor tries to manipulate her into an engagement, she has a plan. He can’t claim to be her fiancé if she’s engaged to someone else. Even if it means asking for help from the last man she would ever marry.
Ethan, Viscount Amesbury, made a lot of mistakes, but the one he regrets the most is ruining Lady Charlotte’s reputation. Going along with her charade is the least he can do to clean the slate and perhaps earn her forgiveness. Pretending to be in love with the woman he’s never forgotten is easy. What isn’t easy is convincing her to give him a second chance.
Will their past scores hold them back …
Oh my!
I do not know about you when you read this book, because you must, but from the very first line, I was sucked in the pages, following the river of words like a drowning man hanging to his lifebuoy.
I loved how the author infuses life in her characters making them as much flesh and blood than real persons, with flaws and wits.
In this tale of second chance, years after they had been betrayed by those they called friends or family but also themselves, rekindling their relationship is like starting anew as neither is the same person from their past.
And those years apart have done them good, they are very different from their younger self, he wants to own and make amends for his past sins and mistakes while he is on a new business venture, she refused to let society’s dictates rule her life, she will decide her fate in her own time with her own choice.
Life far from the ton changed the quiet obedient debutante is a feisty assured woman, Charlotte knows her own mind and learned to be efficient and managing.
Ethan has a wild youth, tasting all he had been unaware prior coming to his title, trying to find his marks in this very unforgiving microcosm that is the Ton, but all excesses come with a price. One he paid dearly and opened his eyes to the fickleness of life. From there, he rebuilt himself to be a better man, taking care of the others before himself.
While it began as an enemies to lovers romance, the angst was not excessive and they turned table and became quite soon friends. This is more in fact a friends to lovers story.
And while everything progressed swiftly, never rushed, their feelings declaration was long due. As in the meantime, by holding back their sentiments, Charlotte hurt Ethan a lot, so sets on her written destiny, she is blinded to anything else, unable to see what is right in front of her.
The supporting characters are to note too, Agatha, Darling and Cal, even the villain who get his deserved comeuppance, they all add to the tale, as a multidimensional story.
Can’t wait for Cal’s story!
To summarize, Mrs Bennett has a strike with her debut novel, witty, clever with aplenty of quips, scorching scenes with laughing out loud moments (my, my, my … the masquerade balcon scene… ).
A 5 stars read
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/719027448686429/?extid=0&d=n
Splendid second-chance Regency romance!
I loved the way both Ethan and Lottie had shown such tremendous personal growth and maturity. Seven years earlier, neither one had much to contribute to their swiftly doomed romance, but now there’s a strong attraction felt between two people who have learned a few things about life.
I was instantly charmed by the delightful writing style that balanced razor-sharp emotional insights with humor-laden banter and even a few bawdy locker-room wisecracks. The story moves at a brisk pace with surprising twists and unexpected villainy. There’s just a touch of the Beauty and the Beast theme, brilliantly executed throughout the entire story.
Ethan and Lottie were a beautifully-matched couple. I really loved how the author developed these characters into fully complex, believable people who were equals in every way. Theirs is a fierce love, one that makes them stronger together than they ever were apart. The inner struggles they had to overcome were almost insurmountable, while the outside threat against them was handled with unexpected restraint and resolved in a way that saw justice served with a huge helping of humor on the side.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it won’t be the last. It’s a wonderful gem and I highly recommend it for all romance lovers. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This was an entertaining, well-written regency romance. Lady Charlotte Wentworth followed the ton’s rules during her first season, but since then she has lived life her own way. Now she is being manipulated into an engagement with an unwanted suitor, and she decides to take on a fake fiance to evade an unwanted marriage. Ethan, Viscount Amesbury, accidentally ruined Lady Charlotte’s reputation during her first season. Now he wants to make up for that error, earn her forgiveness, and maybe a second chance as well. The story was fast-paced and caught my attention, making it hard to put down.. I enjoyed this story and would read more books by this author.
Lady Charlotte Wentworth spent her first and only season acting the perfect lady, as was expected of her, and it only ended in her ruination in society’s scandal sheets. Ever since, she’s been determined to make her own decisions. When her father and an especially determined suitor attempt to force her into an engagement, Lottie takes matters into her own hands. A fake fiancé is exactly what she needs, even if the man she has in mind is the one she’d always thought to hate.
Ethan Ridley, Viscount Amesbury, never expected to inherit a title. He grew up in Scotland and worked as a shepherd. In no way prepared for London society, Ethan made numerous mistakes, one of which ruined Lady Charlotte’s reputation. He’s learned a lot since then and finds himself more attracted to Lottie now than ever before. When she asks for his help, he goes along, hoping to gain her forgiveness, and maybe her heart.
This was a stellar debut! As a heroine and a lady in this period, Lottie was incredibly unconventional, which made her interesting, but I did have a hard time warming up to her. Much of my annoyance with her was probably due to how much I recognized myself in her, but she was frustrating in her rigid adherence to her plans, even after they ceased being what she wanted. She got in her own way to such an extent that I found it vastly frustrating. Thankfully, Lottie did a lot of growing and realized the issues with her thinking, though sadly not before hurting Ethan quite a bit. For his part, Ethan showed a tremendous amount of growth as a character. He had a lot of change to contend with in his life and wound up handling it admirably, even as he realized many would never forgive him for his former life as a Scottish shepherd. I loved him as a hero and only wish we’d gotten a bit more scenes with him and Lottie together after her realization of her true feelings. I also wish we’d gotten to see more of Lottie’s father admitting his wrongness and acknowledging the danger he put her in.
I really appreciated that the enemies to lovers element here wasn’t taken too far and neither was the fake engagement. Much of what occurred in their pasts was down to misunderstanding, but Ethan delivered one of the best and most sincere apologies I’ve ever read. I also loved that the fake engagement became very real very quickly, even if everyone could see it except Ethan and Lottie themselves. This plot was solid, with the slandering spurned suitor serving as an excellent foil for Ethan. This was also one of the most satisfying endings I’ve read, especially as regards the villain.
I thoroughly enjoyed the humor incorporated in this writing style. It was new and different, of course, since this is a new author, but I found it quite charming. Further side note: there are also some delightful balcony scenes to enjoy in this one. The side characters, especially Agatha and Cal, really made this for me, stealing some scenes for themselves and I’m looking forward to Cal’s story now. This new author is off to a great start and I’m looking forward to her future works.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*** 4.5 Stars rounded up ***
This book is a GREAT start for debut author Bethany Bennett. Her writing is smooth, the story is well-plotted and well-delivered, and the characters (for the most part) are delightful and robust. I am so happy to have found Bethany Bennett and am looking forward to more books by her.
Seven-or-so years ago, Ethan Ridley was a Scottish sheep farmer. Then, the unthinkable happened to the twenty-one-year-old, he inherited a title, Viscount Amesbury. He didn’t even know that branch of the family existed. To say he was totally overwhelmed by the new responsibilities – especially a debt-ridden estate with ill cared for tenants and lands. Then, he went to London where he was even more of a fish-out-of-water and went wild as he was trying to fit in. Of course, being a huge Scot with no refinement whatsoever, he was never going to be accepted. Then, he made two huge, life-changing mistakes – he drove in a race that ended up costing his friend a leg and almost his life and he ruined Lady Charlotte Wentworth, daughter of the Earl of Brinkley. Ethan has spent the last seven years trying to make amends for his mistakes. He’s not that scared, irresponsible young man he once was.
Lady Charlotte Wentworth, Lottie, has spent the last seven years at her father’s estate because there have been several tragedies in her life. First, she was completely and totally ruined during her first (and only) season, then her brother died, then her mother died, and her father went into such deep mourning that he never left his library. Once Lottie realized that the estate was going to ruin and the tenants were suffering, she began to take the reins and turned things around. Turns out, she has a real knack for and interest in managing an estate – and people. After all of those years, her father is finally coming out of mourning and wants to take over the estate again. One of the things he demands is that Lottie marry – and he has decided who she’ll marry – James Montague, youngest son of the Marquess of Danby. NO! If Lottie has to marry, she’ll do it on her own terms. What are those terms? Well, she’ll never, ever, have love enter into the marriage. She wants a man who will be happy to live in London and leave her alone to manage the estate. Totally separate lives. It is off to London for her – to find a man who will meet her needs.
When Ethan and Lottie cross paths again, it is under stressful circumstances – Lottie’s carriage has had a terrible accident. At least he has the opportunity to apologize to Lottie before they go their separate ways — until they discover they are neighbors in London. With trouble-makers galore in the ton, a very troublesome potential suitor, abuse, a kidnapping – well – you name it – finding their HEA seems almost impossible.
What did I like? Well, the characters were absolutely wonderful. It seems that both Ethan and Lottie were collectors of misfits. I adored Mrs. Darling, Lottie’s lady’s maid. She is a very plain-spoken former fallen woman who is both a friend and maid. Then, there is Aunt Agatha – goodness – everybody needs an Aunt Agatha, who is sassy and totally devoted to your happiness. For Ethan, I loved Cal, Earl of Carlyle, who is a true friend in all ways. His is the next book in the series and I’m totally looking forward to it – West End Earl, scheduled for release in June of 2021. Then, there is Ethan himself – I absolutely adored Ethan. He’s a wonderful hero – loving, giving, caring – you name it, he is all of the things a hero should be.
Dislikes – well – I’m not sure dislikes is the appropriate word, but – I had a harder time warming up to Lottie. She is an intriguing heroine in that she found her spine of steel after her season and the other tragedies. The trouble is, that spine of steel is unyielding and unbending. She annoyed me so often that I was torn about her for most of the book. She’s a fully capable, smart lady, but she is just so hell-bent on her goal that she can’t see the forest for the trees. I definitely appreciated her growth as a character and was glad to see her final epiphany – but – it was after she had caused a great deal of hurt and pain to others – especially Ethan.
Overall, I LOVED the book and I’m so happy to have found a new ‘favorite’ author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really tried to stick it out with this book. I was able to relate with the characters. The plot sounds very interesting. What’s keeping me from continuing with the story via that I found certain parts of the story choppy. Some scenes have been skipped, cutting out the explanation of one scene leading to another. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
Absolute delight!! What a great read. Second chances, passion, romance, kidnapping, arson and wonderful quirky characters. I loved every minute of it. Was hard to put down.
I really loved this book. I found the characters to be engaging, the writing to be delightful and the steam level to be very sensual. This is Bethany Bennett’s debut historical romance novel and I am very impressed and can not wait to read the next book in this series (which comes out in late June). I think that Bethany crafted two beautiful characters in our hero and heroine, she kept a nice steady pace and engaging situations in which the characters learn to trust and become friends.
Lottie, our heroine, has been out of society for many years and during that time she has grown into a confident woman with a goal for her life which does not include love. Ethan is quiet, hard worker who constantly learning how to be peerage (he was not born to the title he has), he regrets missteps he made in the past when he and Lottie first met. When Ethan finds himself in Lottie’s company again he is so taken with her that he want to be with her and get to know her in the present.
I really loved watching Lottie and Ethan’s relationship grow, they start off a bit on the wrong foot, but Lottie is able to see Ethan in a new light as he integrates himself in her company as well as helping her out with a situation regarding an unwanted suitor and the gossip of society. I found that both Lottie and Ethan were strong characters, neither really cared what society, but used it as an excuse to get to know each other better. I think their friendship bloomed in such a lovely way and I love that we could see that they trusted each other through the little and constant touches they would give each other.
Lottie and Ethan’s journey is so wonderful, Ethan is so kind and loving of Lottie and watching the way he shows his love in small ways was so sweet and sensual. I loved watching Lottie learn what is most important to her in order to find accomplishment, hope and true fulfillment.
I highly recommend this novel if you love historical romance, if you want to explore a new author, if you love strong heroines and the heros that love them for who they are.
I love when I discover new-to-me authors and find that I have a new favorite to add to the must-read list. This book was a lot of fun. Lottie left London years ago when Ethan, Lord Amesbury, tore her down publicly causing her to be the laughing stock of society. Her father now wants her to marry but Lottie has found that she prefers running their estate in the country. She has made an agreement that she has a few months to find a husband of her choosing or she will marry the man her father wants her to.
On the way to London she reconnects with her enemy, Lord Amesbury. What she doesn’t know is that he has been feeling nothing but regret for the way he acted years ago and has been trying to work on becoming a better person. When he runs across Lottie he sees it as his chance to make amends and wants to do what he can to help her.
These two were such a great match. Lottie is outspoken and feisty. She’s not afraid to say what she wants and go for it. Ethan is just so good without being a pushover. He is a Scot after all. He works so hard to give Lottie everything she wants while still working on his own goals for his estate. The friendship that they form is great. Any lover of books is going to enjoy this one as it includes libraries, bookstores, and a love of reading. There is a bit of adventure in the book. You get enemies to lovers, fake engagement, and a kidnapping. It reads quickly and is really enjoyable. I think any fan of historical romance would love this one. I’m looking forward to the next in this series.
Thank you to Forever for an ARC of this book. The opinions here are my own.
I loved this fun Regency Romance with Lottie, a clever heroine struggling to carve out her independence and Ethan, an swoonworthy hero trying to be a become a better person. Perfect vacay read!
A great start to a new series. Charlotte and Ethan were an enticing couple and this was a thoroughly enjoyable story. A second chance at love is always worth reading.
Thank you so much Forever for the free copy in exchange for an honest review!
This was amazingly beautiful AND steamy!! If you’re looking for a hot and steamy read, then this is definitely for you!
I loved this story. It was so captivating and had me not wanting to put the book down. I loved their romance, I thought it was so fun and it had me rooting for them!
: Historical Romance, Steam, Love, Strong Female Characters.
This is quite a wild ride of false starts, fake engagements, and harrowing moments! Ever since witnessing how devastated her father was after the death of her mother, Lotte has vowed never to fall in love like that. She’d much rather be left alone to manage her own estate. When her father finally demands she find a suitable man to marry or he’ll pick one for her, she reluctantly heads to London. Just her luck, the only man who interests her is the infuriating man who jilted her and made her a laughingstock years before. The uncouth Scottish Lord Amesbury, who just happened to inherit the title after everybody else in line died, has never been good in Society. He made a mess of it before, and he’s hoping to get a second chance to prove he’s a gentleman. As Lotte and Ethan realize they may be able to help each other with their goals, sparks fly and the romance sizzles!
I loved the writing. There were many twists and turns in the relationship, as they both had to realize what was most important to them. I’m looking forward to more books in this series.
I enjoyed this promising debut from Bethany Bennett. This second-chance romance was exciting right from the start, with a strong heroine, a sexy hero, and interesting side characters. I’m always happy to discover new Regency authors, and I look forward to more from this one.