A convenient bride Can he be the groom she deserves? Part of The Beauchamp Heirs. Lord Alexander Beauchamp has protected Lady Jane Colebrooke since childhood. So seeing she’s about to be forced to wed, he steps in with a proposal of his own! But Alex underestimated the closeness that taking Jane as his bride demands–something he expected never to give. As Christmas approaches, he knows he must … approaches, he knows he must confront the dark secrets that shadow their marriage…
The Beauchamp Heirs miniseries
Book 1 – Lady Olivia and the Infamous Rake
Book 2 – Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir
Book 3 – Christmas with His Wallflower Wife
“A beautiful story and the writing just flowed effortlessly from page to page”
— The Blossom Twins on His Convenient Highland Wedding by Janice Preston
“”Janice Preston has definitely got this series off to a brilliant start … So go and get a drink, and some chocolate, and a cosy chair, and get transported into this wonderful book”
— Goodreads on His Convenient Highland Wedding by Janice Preston
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Oh my goodness, Alex what have you done to me? There I was minding my own business, happily swooning over Vernon, Dominic and Zach and boom; fragile, vulnerable, tragically lost, secretive Alex comes along and ruins me and breaks my heart, he does really does need a huge hug – something which I am more than happy to provide honestly though, I thought I was completely lost when Zach exploded into my life, but oh boy has Alex got to me or what. I may never recover from this, I may never be able to look at another hero again.
This is the third and final book in the Beauchamp Heirs series, and it is very sad that this beautiful series has come to an end, but I am hoping that there will be more books that at least feature the glorious Beauchamp’s in some way, yes I am blatantly hinting there that I want more Beauchamp’s in my life…no not want, I need them!! Over the course of this series and the previous, it has been a real joy getting to know each couple and their adorable pooches – by the way; thank you Janice for putting a bull terrier into your books and in such a fabulously central way, you wouldn’t believe how that tiny thing made me happy.
So, book three means; Alex, the one Beauchamp heir that I have been looking forward to meeting, Alex has always felt like the outsider, the black sheep of the Beauchamp family, he has never felt at ease or himself with them, the only person he has ever really felt comfortable around is his childhood best friend Jane. So when she needs rescuing from the unsuitable clutches of the dastardly Sir Pikeford, he does as he has always done with her; stand in and protect her. Once married he thinks that his personal scar’s and ghosts from his troubled past may finally leave him now he has to put all his focus on to equally vulnerable Jane. Oh, how wrong he is! Let us say, that Alex soon realises that burring your problems isn’t the answer and that the woman by his side could very well be just what he is looking for. That’s, of course, they both can move forward and past their issues.
If you have been following the series, you may know that Alex was the one who found his mother murdered as a child and that has weighed heavily on him for the rest of his life. I won’t say too much about that aspect of the story, but it is a huge part of why he is as troubled as he is and why there is animosity between him and his Ducal father. For me, t was that side of the story that captured my attention the most, the journey Alex must go on from rescuing and marrying Jane to facing some exceedingly difficult moments to finally reach that happily ever after, he so deserves and yearns for, that journey is one which is fraught with heartache, not just for Alex and Jane but for the reader too. It is expertly written, the emotion ripples and crackles right off the page.
I have been through the mill with this one, I have laughed, sighed, swooned, groaned in frustration, cried; basically, I have had some sort of little meltdown on the course of this book and, you know what I would happily do it all again. Then to top it all off, I ended up clinging to my kindle as I perched at the edge of my chair, terrified for my hero and hoping he comes through and gets his much deserved happily ever after (just a small hint at the turmoil which our characters go through) …Janice Preston, what are you doing to me?
I am an emotional mess, and loving it!
I have to mention the ending, no spoilers…just a nod to Ms Preston’s impressive gift at cementing a scene into the reader’s mind forever, it is perfect for the story, for the series and for the Beauchamp’s. Just one thing though, from the title you would think that this is a Christmas story, I personally wouldn’t say it is, but what I will say is; that this is a beautiful, illuminating and heartfelt romance with one of the most troubled and fragile heroes I have come across since Jamie Warriner from Virginia Heath’s Wild Warriner’s and dare I say it; Heathcliffe?! As you may except I was all over Alex…that doesn’t sound right, but I think you get the idea of how much I adored him.
Christmas with his Wallflower wife is a gorgeous love story, yet it is far more than your stereotypical; friends to lovers romance, with it’s an entertaining, intriguing and suspenseful subplot, rich details and outstanding emotional conflict between two incredible characters this is an engaging and enchanting page-turner that will captivate you right to the last page.
A beautiful and emotional finale to what has been a perfect series!
This is the book with Alex’s and Jane’s story; of the Beauchamp’s Heirs this is the story I most wanted to read. The pain that Alex is having in nightmares and in not wanting to have anything to do with his family (not much), just wanting to runaway or getting into trouble. Not being able to confide in anyone(because he has buried in his mind that he doesn’t know) he just wants to be alone with his horses.
Then there is Jane, she has been in love with Alex ever since she was little when she followed him around. As she grew up her father had remarried and her stepmother made it her goal to get Jane married through any means (without letting anyone know) but when she planned to have Jane marry a gentleman, that Jane didn’t like not just because he was older but that he drank and that he was not who she really wanted.
At the beginning if this book you are seeing Alex finally coming home to visit, and of course Jane will be there and maybe Jane can see if Alex could love her but do to a situation that was planned by Jane’s stepmother, everything goes to…
I really loved how this book went as to being at a house party then to an incident to wedding then through many page turnings to see the HEA and Janice has done a wonderful way to theirs.
After reading the start of the Beauchamp’s elder’s books and starting this Heirs set of books, Janice has brought a family that you can’t help but fall in love with, their many different personalities that would seem to not match but with her magic in spinning many obstacles and situations Janice has won me over to them. And after finishing Alex and Jane’s book there is so much I would love to continue this family… but we still have Janice’s other wonderful books to read.
For the six books in the Beauchamp series (2 separate but connected series) Alexander Beauchamp, 2nd son of the Duke of Cheriton, has been problematic. He takes nothing serious except horses, and has confused and mixed feelings for his father the Duke. When a childhood friend Jane Colebrooke is being forced to marry through no fault of her own, Alex steps in and proposes. She tries to talk him out of it, but her wicked stepmother relishes the match to a handsome rich son of a duke. And that’s where it gets interesting.
Jane understands Alex and has loved him for her entire life. She realized he sees her only as a friend, but will not give up on him, her marriage, or discovering a very sad past. I loved Jane, she was strong and didn’t even know it. Who could resist Alex anyway, though I wanted to smack him a couple of times.
The HEA is dramatic but satisfying, with everyone from all 6 books back in the mix. There was a bit too much steaminess at the beginning for my taste, which cost it a star. But once the mystery of Alex’s emotions began to explode, the story was very intriguing. I am sad to see both series end.
I won this book from the author, and have given a true and honest review.
After being away four years, Lord Alexander Beauchamp has agreed to return to Cheriton Abbey for a garden party because the whole family would be reunited. He hates it there, and he vows to go back home to Foxbourne Manor and his horses as soon as he can. Unlike Alex, Lady Jane Colebrooke is thrilled that he is back. She’s loved him for years but to him, she was always “good old Janey”, to her chagrin. But Alex, ever her protector, rescues Jane and they are soon wed. Jane is happy in a way, but Alex was never easy; will marriage help him chase his demons away?
I was eager for the story of the enigmatic, rebellious Alex Beauchamp. Alex could hardly stand his father, the formidable Leo, Duke of Chariton; even marrying Jane consisted in an act of defiance against Leo. I knew Alex’s story would be dark, but I did not anticipate such a dark Gothic tale. I also had a problem very early on: Jane has always loved Alex, and what bothered me until the very end was that there had never been any indication that Alex fancied Jane in any way. It had been a platonic friendship until the wedding, when Alex noticed Jane’s beauty, and he became consumed with lust on the wedding night. In view of the circumstances – the reason why they married – Alex showed just how selfish and inconsiderate he was. The marriage seemed to work mostly on a physical level – they are always having sex, he tries to distract her away from their problems by having sex, he hopes to obliterate his black moods by bedding his wife – and the fact that Alex’s sudden lust came out of nowhere threw me completely off.
The characters are exceptionally well drawn, particularly the villain and Leo, whom I adored in this book. But I really disliked Alex as a romantic hero, although he’s a fabulous character. Alex is the broodiest, most tortured and tormented hero I have ever read, and they are not my favourite. CHRISTMAS WITH HIS WALLFLOWER WIFE makes one realise how difficult and dangerous it must have been before the advent of psychology and psychiatry for people to overcome their mental health issues, because Alex was a very troubled man – and he did have his reasons. I also thought him foolish to place his trust in the wrong person, never in the ones who cared about him; he was too proud, too stubborn. I couldn’t help thinking what an utterly miserable life “a real Jane” would have suffered.
I don’t know if it was a case of the right book at the wrong time, but CHRISTMAS WITH HIS WALLFLOWER WIFE didn’t work for me, it was just too dark and Alex too frustrating. The writing is outstanding, as expected; the period details exquisite; and the dialogues absolutely brilliant and entirely in tune with the language of the era. The epilogue is particularly lovely with an authentic Regency Christmas atmosphere.
I give 3.5 stars
Christmas with His Wallflower Wife (The Beauchamp Heirs Book 3) by Janice Preston is a delightful and beautiful Christmas Romance. While, book 3 it can be read as a stand alone.
This is the final Book in the Beauchamp Heirs, and what an ending!
Well written with interesting and engaging cast of characters. Steady paced, with a storyline that flows seamlessly and effortlessly.
Meet, Lord Alexander (Alex) Beauchamp and Lady Jane Colebrooke, Alex has been Jane’s protector since childhood. When, Alex learns Jane’s being forced to wed, of course, he steps in to protect her.
A friends to lover to romance, with dark secrets, romance, deceit, adventure, Christmas magic, danger, misunderstandings, a bit of mystery and suspense with twists and turns and suspense, makes “Christmas with His Wallflower Wife” an exciting and magical Christmas read. I was pulled into this story from the first page to the last. The characters are easy to connect to, as well as to love with hope of a HEA.
A must read for fans of Regency Romance, Christmas Romance, with characters who the reader will watch grow. This story pulls together family, and shows what a true Christmas Romance entails, love, peace, and happiness. A must read Christmas Romance. Very enjoyable, entertaining and satisfying read.
“I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review.”
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Sweet/Clean
Reviewer: AprilR
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-13L
Lady Jane Colebrooke’s stepmother is determined to marry Jane off and remove her from the household to focus on her two daughters who will soon be making their entrance into society. Though Jane would love her own home, and to have a family, she has no desire to marry Sir Denzil Pikeford, the man her stepmother is pushing on her. There’s only one man Jane wants to marry – Alexander Beauchamp, her own childhood friend, and brother of her best friend, Olivia. The problem is that Alex has never noticed that Jane has grown up. He still sees her as his young friend, and treats her with the casual affection he would show to a sister.
When Jane’s stepmother engineers a situation that ensures Jane will be compromised with Piketon, Alex arrives in time to rescue her. Amidst the ensuing chaos, Alex asks Jane to marry him, only wanting to protect her from having to marry the awful Piketon, and to get her away from her stepmother. Because of Alex’s past, he never intended to marry, but if he has to, it seems like a dear friend is a good choice. Though Jane has her heart’s desire within reach, she’s hesitant to accept, not wanting to force Alex into an unwanted marriage. Alex, however, charms her, as he always has, and they marry within days.
When Alex was only seven years old, he found his murdered mother’s body, and was so severely traumatized that he didn’t speak for a year. He had nightmares, and has tried his best to block out that memory. He certainly never speaks of it. Though he loves his family, there is a distance between them, particularly his father, the Duke of Cheriton. Alex has become something of a loner, and avoids returning to his family home, where the long ago tragedy happened.
After Alex and Jane marry, Alex finds that he is somehow mixing up in his mind the attack on Jane by Piketon with the long ago attack on his mother. Soon he’s having nightmares again, though Jane is always able to soothe him back to sleep. After some initial hesitancy on Jane’s part, due to the trauma she suffered at Piketon’s hands, she and Alex begin to share a wonderful physical relationship. They have steamy nights and their days are full of both fun and work, as they settle into their new life together.
Their happiness is short lived, as Alex begins to have waking episodes. He zones out as he begins to see more and more of what happened years ago, realizing that he actually witnessed his mother’s murder. As more memories come to him, he realizes that the truth will tear his family apart. He’s determined to keep the secret, though it’s destroying him, and ruining his relationship with Jane. He won’t talk to her about it, despite her pleas, and becomes more troubled and distant. When Alex refuses to attend his family’s Christmas gathering, Jane is heartbroken. Alex arrogantly suggest she go without him if it means so much to her, and much to the surprise of both of them, she does. Alex’s home is not the same without Jane, and he is in such a fragile state, that he chooses to finally confide in someone, the worst possible decision he could have made.
CHRISTMAS WITH HIS WALLFLOWER WIFE is so well written, literally a book I couldn’t put down. Alex is the kind of hero who breaks your heart for what he’s suffering, yet maddens you when he makes wrong decisions. He’s a sexy, charming hero with vulnerabilities he’s determined to hide from the world. Jane is truly not a wallflower, but a strong and determined woman, one who’s in love and will do anything to help and protect her husband. Janice Preston has ended the Beauchamp series beautifully in this passionate and emotional romance. The reconciliation and healing was tear inducing, along with all the highs and lows along the bumpy road. And, oh, what a despicable villain there is in this story! I was so invested that I wanted to engineer his demise myself. I feel that CHRISTMAS WITH HIS WALLFLOWER WIFE is the best book of the series, one that I highly recommend to all lovers of historical romance, particularly those, like me, who adore friends to lovers, family love, and Christmas joy.
Christmas with his Wallflower Wife is the third and final book in author Janice Preston’s “The Beauchamp Heirs” series. For those of us who are fans of Janice Preston’s Beauchamp family series, this is a sad day to have to say goodbye to this family. I’m hoping that at some point, Ms. Preston will find a way back to the Beauchamp family, but if this truly is the end, then I must say she ended it with complete and utter perfection!
Lord Alexander Beauchamp is the youngest son of the Duke of Cheriton. He’s considered the rebellious son, the loner, an outsider who never feels comfortable around his family, especially his father.
Lady Jane Colebrooke’s family estate adjoins the Beauchamp’s in Devonshire. She grew up with the Beauchamp children and was particularly close to Alex. Over the years her hero-worship of Alex has matured into love, but she knows he still sees her as the little girl who followed him around.
I love when a couple has a past together and when friendship turns to love. Although we’ve seen Alex in all the previous stories, Jane is a fairly new character for us. We first met her in the previous book in this series, Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir. I liked her in that story and was happy to hear she was the heroine in this story. She’s grown up with the Beauchamp’s and as we get to know her, we see that Alex has always stood up for her and protected her. So when Jane is being pressured into an unwanted marriage, Alex steps in and offers to marry her himself. I really felt Jane was good for Alex and the one person who could eventually get through to him.
I am a big fan of the Beauchamp Family and was looking forward to Alex’s story to see if we finally get to see the source of his anger. I’ll admit that when it came to Alexander Beauchamp, I really didn’t feel I knew him or understood him… If you’ve followed the series from beginning to end, you are aware Alex was traumatized at an early age and since that time has been troubled and upset. This story brings everything out in the open and explains it all! It’s an extremely emotional read as we watch this young man go through the process of discovering the truth of many years ago.
Ms. Preston is such an excellent writer and this story definitely goes up there as one of her best! This story is so much more than just a newly married couple’s journey from friendship to love. It’s a story about family, secrets, hope, and yes… love. The story takes the reader on an emotional journey and we end up with an extremely perfect ending set at Christmas time. With all of our favorite characters from the previous stories making an appearance, I couldn’t ask for a better ending for a beloved series and family! I’ll admit I closed this book with happy tears! I highly recommend all of Janice Preston’s books, but will always hold a special place in my heart for the Beauchamp Series! Loved it!