In this HOLT Medallion winning regency romance by USA Today bestselling author Bree Wolf, an English earl and a French privateer’s daughter learn that trust and love can exist even across enemy lines. England 1808: OLIVER CORNELL, EARL OF CULLINGWOOD, is trapped in a life he abhors. Not seen as a son, but merely an heir, he longs for something meaningful to enter his life. But as the years go by, … life. But as the years go by, Oliver falls prey to self-doubt as well as complacency, playing the handsome rogue, untamed by the ladies of London.
Then an error of judgment – or Fate perhaps? – lands him on an English merchant ship, which is promptly boarded by a French privateer. On board, Oliver’s eyes are drawn to the captain’s daughter, standing at the bow, a sword in her hand and a pistol strapped to her hip, her golden tendrils dancing in the wind. Mesmerized by the adventurous gleam in her blue eyes, Oliver stands and stares at the woman unlike any he’s ever met.
VIOLET WINTERS was born English, but life led her down a different path and made her a French privateer’s daughter. Today, she sails the seas with her adoptive father, dreaming of one day commandeering a ship of her own. However, when she stumbles upon a piece of her past, Violet feels honor-bound to return to England and repay a debt.
An English earl taken prisoner on her father’s ship offers to pose as her husband in order to guide her through English society in exchange for his freedom. Tempted by the devilishly disarming spark in his eyes, Violet agrees, knowing he’s her best chance for success. However, as the days tick by, their simple mission is made complicated by the bond that grows between them.
Before long, Oliver realizes that simply posing as Violet’s husband will not do. Violet, however, reminds herself that she must not surrender her freedom to a man, even one who holds her heart.
If you like marriage of convenience stories with a touch of mystery, a dash of humour as well as deep, heartfelt emotions, then you’ll love this installment of Bree Wolf’s emotionally charged Love’s Second Chance Series. Get CONDEMNED AND ADMIRED, grab a cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading spot, and start this swoon-worthy romance now!
Each love story in this series can be read as a stand-alone. However, most readers prefer to read them in order.
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This is a new-to-me author and I could easily become a regular reader. The story is well written, well-plotted and well-paced. If you love a swashbuckling sea adventure with a bit of fancy balls, kidnappings, and rescues thrown in – this book might just be for you.
Twelve years earlier, in 1796, Alexandra Winters, Viscountess Silcox, fled her home on the coast of England. She was in a loveless, cold, uncaring marriage and her husband had just betrothed their six-year-old daughter, Violet to his best friend – another cold and uncaring man who would be ancient by the time Violet was old enough to marry. She loved her daughter beyond measure and absolutely could not allow the same fate to befall her. So, she left a suicide note – and escaped to France with Violet.
Violet Winters has spent twelve gloriously wonderful years in France as the daughter of a privateer. Yes, she knows he isn’t her birth father, but he is her father in all but that – and now she has several brothers and sisters to love. Her first love, however, is the sea and the freedom it gives. She has persuaded her father to let her be a full-fledged member of the crew. She dresses in men’s clothes, carries a sword and fully carries her weight as a member of the crew. For her – it is family above all – no matter where that family comes from.
Oliver Cornell, Earl of Cullingwood, son, and heir of the Marquess of Northey longs for a different life. He can never please his father – and he’s not sure he wants to. He longs for adventure and continually spends his nights at the docks talking to the sailors and listening longingly to their stories. So, when he awakens from a drunken stupor and finds himself in a storeroom aboard a merchant ship, he’s not sure it is an entirely bad thing. At least at first – then – they are captured by a French privateer and as the son of an English peer, Oliver is a prime candidate to be ransomed back to his father. Oh, great! Yet another proof to his father that he is a worthless son. He’d really rather not be ransomed.
When Violet wants to go to England to ‘rescue’ the young woman who is now being forced to marry the man that was supposed to marry Violet – Oliver volunteers to take her. They hatch a plan to pose as husband and wife and the adventure begins. You’ll find betrayal, kidnapping, chases and – well — love in this fast-paced story.
So, why didn’t I give it 5-stars? Well – for a number of reasons – and here are a few. First, there is no way I could believe that a strong, heroic, very loving father would EVER allow his young, unmarried daughter to take off with a virtual stranger – to go to England and pretend to be his wife. Second, it feels much too modern. Everybody was constantly giving Violet her ‘choice’. It was all about her – nobody else got a choice. While some men were much more tolerant than others in that time period, it was still a man’s world and they would have been in charge and not giving her all of those choices when they disagreed with them so strongly. Third, I found Violet to be a bit on the selfish side. I like a strong female, but it really was all about her and she never gave a thought about what her ‘choice’ (read that demand) did to others, what effect it had on them or how much it might hurt them. Fourth, Oliver appeared pretty spineless – just too good to be true. Whatever Violet wanted, Violet got. He wouldn’t stand up to her nor would he stand up to his father. I loved that he grew and got better – but for most of the book he’s pretty spineless. Fifth, Oliver’s father didn’t get his comeuppance. I really, really, really wanted him to pay for the way he treated Oliver (and even Violet). Maybe he could have had apoplexy and been unable to speak and then have to watch Oliver and Violet be happy and never see his grandchildren, etc. Just something! Sixth is that I found it very hard to believe that Violet would risk so much to go to England to rescue someone she’d never even heard of. She didn’t know that the young woman was unwilling – she didn’t even know that it was a young woman. I just couldn’t buy that – no matter how hard I tried.
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“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”
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 British aristocracy, is suspenseful, action packed, and ends in a hook.
Oliver and Violet what a combination! An earl trying to find his identity and a feisty lady of the seas falling head over heels in love. Can’t get enough of this regency series. Always anxious for the next book!
What a fantastic historical fiction/romance! I am new to the series, so I was relieved to know this could be read as a standalone! Getting to know Violette and Oliver was a perfect way to spend the day!
Violette is swept away from the life that was dictated to her by her cold, unfeeling father, Viscount Silcox, one dark night by her strong, protective mother and a French privateer. Years later, her mother and stepfather, that French privateer who whisked them away, have given her a life of freedom to make her own choices. England is a lifetime away until one day all that changes when a prisoner and a notice of a upcoming wedding change everything, and she finds herself back in the possible crosshairs of her unfeeling father.
Oliver dreams of a life outside the stuffy, regimented society of England that comes with being an Earl. He can never live up to his father’s standards, but he doesn’t believe he has the courage to take control over his own destiny that is until he becomes the prisoner of Violette and her family on a French sea vessel.
This is a couple destined to be together even though all odds are against them. When Oliver agrees to help Violette by posing as her husband, all bets are off. I liked both of them as individuals so I adored them as a couple. She helps him embrace his passionate, adventurous side all the while helping him find the freedom he craves. He shows her another side of life beside the open sea…a life full of love and support. He truly sees her as an equal, and he treats her as such.
This wasn’t just your ordinary historical romance. Violette wasn’t a damsel in distress, and she didn’t need a hero to save her because she was the hero. I just LOVED that concept. Yes, Oliver was a support, but they were equals which is a couple ahead of their time during that era.
Underlying all the romance, intrigue, and adventure was the theme of family and what constitutes a family…is it blood or relationships? Wolf does an amazing job of showing her readers that blood doesn’t make a family as you will clearly see in this novel, but it’s the love and relationships you form with others that make up a family.
I highly recommend reading if you love historical fiction/romance, and I recommend reading even if this genre isn’t your cup of tea. You might just become a fan after reading a Bree Wolf novel!
Condemned & Admired: The Earl’s Cunning Wife (Love’s Second Chance Book 9) by Bree Wolf is a fantastic read. While, book 9 in this series, it can be read as a stand alone.
Well written, well crafted, and well executed, with engaging and charming characters. The storyline flows seamlessly and effortlessly. If you enjoy stories with a touch of humor, swashbuckling seas adventures, heart felt emotions, a marriage of convenience, romance, a bit of mystery, kidnapping and a daring rescue, then you’re going to love this latest installment of a fantastic series. At first, I had a hard time liking both the h/h, due to their selfishness and spinelessness, but they redeemed themselves nicely. Readers will find themselves drawn into this delightful, if rather emotional sweet romance. Looking for to Bree Wolf’s next grand adventure.
“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
Heat rating: Sweet
Reviewer: AprilR
This story proves that Bree Wolf has an amazing ability to write about any subject with so much flair and imagination that as a reader one cannot help but long for the next story to be published once the current one is finished being read.
I loved the strengths shown by the main character, Violet and how she planned to solve the various problems that arose and then went about and solved them. I really enjoyed the evolving love between Violet and Oliver and couldn’t help but hate both of their conniving and nasty natural fathers.
To summarize, this is a story that is certainly worthwhile reading and is also extremely entertaining and enjoyable and so I am very happy to recommend it.
I voluntarily read an advance copy of the ebook and the above is my unbiased review of it.
It’s so hart to find a good regency romance that isn’t trashy. I have truly enjoyed the 1st 3 books of this series. Easy to read & made me want to know what happens next.
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.
14. Book 12.5: Dared & Kissed The Scotsman’s Yuletide Bride also Highland Tales book 2:5 stars
I received a free copy of the short novella Dared & Kissed The Scotsman’s Yuletide Bride (# 12.5 Love’s Second Chance Series: Highland Tales book 2) by Bree Wolf and this review was given freely.
Complex, easy flowing, complete, and satisfying with suggestions at sequels. Emma and Finnegan are nudged by well-meaning friends who try and bring them together and thus end the seven-year misunderstanding that continues to separate them. Wonderful characters, glimpses at four vastly different romances, and of course a happy ending make this complex holiday clean romance one well worth reading.
15. Book 13: Tamed & Unleashed The Highlander’s Vivacious Wife also Highland Tales book 1: 5 stars
I received a free copy of the full-length clean novel Tamed & Unleashed The Highlander’s Vivacious Wife (#13 Love’s Second Chance Series: Highland Tales Series Book 1) by Bree Wolf and this review was given freely.
Poignant and suspenseful with many twists and turns. Amnesia, a drunken encounter, a kidnapping, and the tenacity of true love fill the pages of this complex clean romance featuring Scotsman Garrett and his quest to reunite with his English wife Claudia.
16. Book 14: Banished & Welcomed The Laird’s Reckless Wife: also Highland Tales book 3: 5 stars
I received a free copy of the full-length clean historical novel Banished & Welcomed The Laird’s Reckless Wife ( Love’s Second Chance Series Book 14: Highland Tales book 3) by Bree Wolf and this review was given freely.
A story of conflict, love, loyalty, and duty with a poignant but happy ending. Complex, highly descriptive, easy flowing, and captivating but with a sinister and suspenseful undertone in the form of depression, grief, and death. Jealousy and second sight result in disgrace, betrayal, being labeled a witch and Moira’s being banished from her home and the protection of both her brother Alistair and her cousin Laird Connor Brunwood of Greystone Castle in the Scottish Highlands to the lonely protection of her mother’s sister and the clan of the empath Cromag MacDrummond of Seann Dachaigh Tower.
17. Book 15: Haunted & Revered The Scotsman’s Destined Love also Highland Tales book 4:5 stars
I received a free copy of the novella Haunted & Revered The Scotsman’s Destined Love (#15 Love’s Second Chance Series: Highland Tales book 4): Alastair and Deidre by Bree Wolf and this review was given freely.
A timely and easy flowing, poignant yet heartwarming and satisfying novella which contains the true meaning of family and a family’s love centered at Christmastime in 1800’s Scotland. This story is emotion-packed filled with heartbreak, hope, and a love that endures despite misunderstandings, changes, and challenges. 2 years after the loss of their 3-month-old daughter, grief over the loss of many babies leads the couple into emotional isolation. Just as Deidre fears she may also lose her husband Alistair, the fulfillment of his sister Moira’s puzzling dream promising a great love comes to pass when strangers bearing secrets stay at the castle during the Christmas season.
18. Book 16: Fooled & Enlightened The Englishman’s Scottish Wife also Highland Tales book 5:5 stars
I received a free copy of the historical romance Fooled & Enlightened The Englishman’s Scottish Wife: Love’s Second Chance Series: Book 16: Highland Tales book 5 by Bree Wolf and this review was given freely.
Complex and easy flowing with a few twists and a touch of the mystical in the form of young Blair, this struggle of duty over longing and love provides us a deeper insight into the cause of the broken relationship between Ian and Maggie MacDrummond, and although it did not lessen my sympathy for Ian it did increase my empathy towards Maggie. Ends happily but with a cliffhanger.
Separated by lies, Lady Margaret Brandley, daughter to the Earl of Tynham ruins her life with an unhappy marriage while Nathan Penhale, Earl of Townsend buries his heartache with multiple women and
alcohol until fate and a little help from Blair cause the now widowed Maggie MacDrummond to return to England and confront the man she thought broke her heart.
Great Story!
Violet and her adoptive family are French privateers but the past comes back to haunt her when an English paper gives news of her former bethrothed. Determined to give the young lady who took her place, a chance to escape her fate, Violet takes on a dangerous masquerade with the help of Oliver Cornell, Earl of Cullingwood.
Epilogue segues into what will become Scorned & Craved.
I really enjoyed the book!
TITLE: 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.
Loved this book
Bree Wolf produces great books to read. This is a fun romance, part of a series but each story complete in it’s self, brilliant.
Great read that holds your attention
Romance 101: how to escape an unwanted betrothal. Romance 202: insure heart palpitations do not lead to heart attack. Romance 303: how to gain courage to stand against a madman. Romance 404: how to not say goodbye but say ‘au revoir’. Romance 505: how to enjoy an HEA.
Violet Winters teaches Oliver Cornell how to take control of his situation.
Good story and no steamy sex – Yea!
Great book nice characters, strong willed.
Well written.
Good