This reverse Cinderella regency romance featuring a world-weary war hero and a snobbish English lady penned by USA TODAY bestselling and HOLT Medallion winning author Bree Wolf proves that love generally finds you when you least expect it.England 1806: DEREK MCKNIGHT, BARON AINSWROTH, is a self-made man, who clawed his way from the life as a simple farmer’s son to the upper class of English … upper class of English society. Awarded a run-down barony for his service to the crown, he is determined to turn his back on London and the peers he despises, his eyes firmly fixed on providing a good life for his family and tenants.
Until one night when he sees a raven-haired lady on the arm of a man from his past. Determined to protect her, he takes a wrong step, dooming them both.
LADY MADELINE has vowed not to marry beneath the rank of an earl. Using her clever wit and fierce determination, she has passed up several marriage offers as well as successfully sidestepped the occasional scandal.
Until one night when her plans go horribly awry and she finds herself compromised by the wrong man.
Utterly disappointed in her low-born husband, Madeline cannot deny that there is something deeply tempting about those dark eyes that seem to see to the very core of her. His hands may be rough and work-worn, but their caresses send tantalizing chills over her skin she’s never known existed.
Will Madeline be able to look past her husband’s title and see the man who is perfect for her in every other way?
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 in Bree Wolf’s emotionally charged Love’s Second Chance Series. Grab DECEIVED AND HONOURED, get 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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Bree Wolf love characters are realistic. They have problems that exist today . That is why been a histórical romance we enjoy what Bree tells us nowadays
4.5 Stars
Lady Madeleine has vowed not to marry below the rank of an earl. Using her clever wit and fierce determination, she has passed up several marriage offers as well as successfully sidestepped the occasional scandal. Ultimately, her choice falls on the Earl of Townsend who is handsome, rich AND an earl and thus everything she’s ever desired in a husband then things go horribly wrong & she is compromised by Derek Mcknight, Baron Ainsworth a farmer’s son, he gained glory in the war and was given a run-down barony for his service to the crown. He sees a raven-haired lady on the arm of a man from his past & is determined to protect her, he takes a wrong step, dooming them both.
A delightful read from an author who is a must read for me. The characters are very well fleshed, I loved Derek from the start, I thought Madeleine a typical empty headed title seeking debutante at the start but as the story developed so did she & soo I was routing for them to have their HEA. The pace of the book is very good & held my interest all the way through, in fact I was so engrossed the pages flew over & I read it in under a day. Derek leaves Madeleine in town but she follows him & finds herself at his dilapidated Huntington House. A lovely story of second chances & of two people learning to love & to grow in confidence & find their inner strengths. There are some twists on the way to their HEA
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Ah, another story of an unwanted marriage-by-accidental-compromise. Lady Madeline puts on a uppity veneer to hide her insecurity. Her insecurity is so great she misses clear signs and words of Derek’s affection for her. She’s also spoiled and a bit immature. Derek is a humble and quite patient man. He physically works hard to restore the run-down estate awarded to him for his service to the Crown. The story gets interesting when Madeline finally leaves London for the estate and starts contributing after overcoming her shock. She can rightfully take pride in her change of attitude.
I read an advance copy and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an ARC of this book from the author to read in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.
Derek McKnight, newly Baron Ainsworth wasn’t looking for wife, nor did he want one from the Ton. But low and behold, he now has a wife of the Ton. This whole thing was an accident that was not planned by him, regardless to what she thinks. He knows he has nothing to offer his new wife, certainly, not the lifestyle she has grown accustomed to. So what do you do with someone who is not a good fit in your life. You leave them in London, and go to the country. And that is what Derek did with this unwanted wife of the Ton.
Lady Madeline was determined not to marry below her station, since her Father was an Earl, it could not be anyone less. So how did she get “trapped” into marry a lowly Baron. A Baron who does not have anything. A Baron who just became a Baron. This was not how her life was suppose to go. But maybe, she be happy after all, he left her here in Town on her own. Or is this really the life Madeline wants?
I have read every single historical romance book that Bree has written. And she never has disappointed me. I finish her book just waiting for the next book. I am die hard fan of Bree Wolf. If you read this book, you will definitely want to read her other books. Great Job, Bree!!
5. Book 5: Deceived & Honoured: The Baron’s Vexing Wife:5 stars
I received a free copy of Deceived & Honoured: The Baron’s Vexing Wife (Love’s Second Chance: Tales of Lords and Ladies, #5) by Bree Wolf, and this review was given freely.
Cunning, subterfuge and well intentions help Derek achieve his goal, the hand of Lady Madeline. The romance of Derek Ainsworth and Lady Madeline flows easily. This clean and sweet romance has a strong theme of doubt of self-worth but a reformed Rogue, a cute three-year-old and loving interfering family, and friends provide both balance and humor.
6. Book 6: Sacrificed and Reclaimed- The Soldier’s Daring Widow:5 stars 5 stars
I received a free copy of the clean historical novel Sacrificed and Reclaimed- The Soldier’s Daring Widow(Love’s Second Chance: Tales of Lords & Ladies Book 6) by Bree Wolf and this review was given freely.
Separated by the need for adventure, injured at war, and left for dead Edward Dunning returns to England broken in body and mind to find his wife Megan has grown into a strong and independent wife. The majority of this novella expresses the fear, despair, and desires of Megan and Edward both before and during their reunion. This is an emotional romance featuring contemplation of suicide, a child almost falling to her death, and a happy ending expressing joy in the future.
7. Book 7: Destroyed & Restored: The Baron’s Courageous Wife:5 stars
I received a free copy of the clean historical 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 has 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.
8. Book 8: Despised & Desired: The Marquess’ Passionate Wife also Tales of Damsels and Knights book 1:5 stars
I purchased a copy of the clean historical romance Despised & Desired: The Marquess’ Passionate Wife (Love’s Second Chance book 8/ Tales of Damsels and Knights book 1) by Bree Wolf and this review was given freely
Another excellent story by Bree Wolf. Despised and Desired starts out as the two before with sadness, angst, and intrigue. Somewhere along the way the two main characters, Ellie and Rick .succeed against adversity and form a deep and lasting love, heal the broken hearts of the females of the house, and solve a mystery.
9. Book 9: Ruined & Redeemed: The Earl’s Fallen Wife also Book 2 Tales of Damsels and Knights::4 stars
I received a free copy of the clean historical novel Ruined & Redeemed: The Earl’s Fallen Wife (Love’s Second Chance Series: Tales of Damsels & Knights Book 2) Kindle Edition
by Bree Wolf
This is a complicated and ironic plot of desire, greed, and revenge with the dark themes of forced contractual arranged marriages, mental illness, abuse, and rape.
Discovering he had been manipulated by his father, thirty-year-old Sebastian CampbellViscount Huntly/ Earl of Weston returns from his tour of the continent to his home of Hartridge Hall when he learns his father has forced his younger sister Victoria into a loveless marriage to the abusive Lord Northfield which spurs Sebastian to taunt his father by marrying “an unsuitable woman of unknown parentage” Lotte Ferris/ Lady Charlotte Frampton, who just happens to be one of Lord Northfild’s past rape victims and long thought dead. Strongly attracted and drawn to Charlotte, Sebastian begins a campaign to earn her trust and love while “Lotte” struggles to keep her identity and traumatic past hidden.
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.
In this fifth book in the Love’s Second Chance series we become more acquainted with Derek. We get to see his whole person not just the bodyguard that saved Tristan so many times in book four of this series. He is fiercely loyal, genuine, sincere, I could go on with all his positive traits. However, he does have some disappointing traits as well. For such a brave soldier as he had proved himself to be, it turns out he was really a coward when it came to expressing his feelings for Madeline. I say this with a big smile on my face as he finally gathered his courage again before Madeline (only after sooo many frustrating tries!) and declared his love for her). I thoroughly enjoyed the epilogue where Townsend….well, ahem, Townsend’s true colors faced the light of day. Or should I say the dark of night? (Insert huge smile!)
Another great addition to the series! We were introduced to Derek in the previous book and I really liked getting to know him better. At first I thought Madeleine had expectations for a husband that were too high, but I understood her reasoning that was eventually explained. Both characters struggled to be in a world that they were not used too, and it was shown (or written) really well.
Lady Madeline already had her husband picked out, but a new Baron intent on chivalry ends up compromising the lady and they end up marrying. Neither knows anything about the other, but hateful words are exchanged and they separate after the wedding. Insecurities and misunderstandings keep the story rolling until they both have the courage to confess their feelings. I haven’t read these books in order, but it hasn’t made a deference in my enjoyment. Kisses, but a closed door.
Lady Madeline at first seemed like a spoiled brat. She wants what she wants and now. I enjoyed the story but I really began to wonder about her. Then she is compromised and she and Derek Connor, Baron of Ainsworth must marry. He didn’t want to, there were so many responsibilities. But he had loved watching her dance. He returned to Tristan Turner’s Townhome, to tell Tristan what had happened. He was staying at Tristan’s townhome. He had none and was a poor Baron. He wanted to get home to his family in the country. He married her a few days later and it was a small affair and a small wedding breakfast. She couldn’t believe all her hopes and dreams gone, her perfect husband Lord Townsend gone, her perfect wedding, everything, gone.
There were a lot of misunderstandings and secrets between them. It added to hard feelings, Anger and arguing. She was frightened, scared and so out of place. The problem was she didn’t know how to fix it. I thought the characters were engaging, trying to be helpful and encouraging. I felt it was entertaining, easy to read and definitely kept my attention. You could definitely see that Ms. Wolf loved what she did. I highly recommend this Novel.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
I have read all the books in this series and loved them all. Bree is a consistently pleasing writer.Her stories always offer hope and that is a good thing.
I love this series so far.
Sometimes you just need to escape into an ends-right romance.
Enjoyed it thoroughly!
I really enjoyed the book. I have read earlier books in this series and have enjoyed them all so far – recommended
Delightful 4 1/2 to 5 Stars Read!
This is probably now my favorite of all of the Love’s Second Chance Series. The characters of Derek and Madeline, who appeared in earlier books, really resonated with me. Derek, raised as a common man but new to a title, finds himself with Lady Madeline in a compromising situation and they have to marry to save both their reputations. Lady Madeline’s upbringing and demeanor were completely different from Derek’s. Madeline had planned and expected to marry someone from her class and background. Derek had no plans to marry until he saved and repaired the run-down barony he was gifted for his outstanding military service. Their story is a testament to how difficult it was for two strong-willed individuals from different backgrounds to make their marriage work. As said by Derek “Opening one’s heart to someone makes one vulnerable.”
I received an ARC of this book from the author for a fair and unbiased review.
Have enjoyed this series!
GOODY, GOODY GUM DROPS!!!
Whoa baby. One intriguing tale that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. You have all the drama and suspense you can handle. The characters are strong and well developed with on point personalities that bend and flow. The scenes are vivid and breathtaking in the realistic true to life form. You get the twists, turns and unexpected surprises that holds you captive as the tale unfolds. Bree does an amazing job bringing this read together beautifully. Fantastic job Bree, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
5 stars
I received a free copy of Deceived & Honoured: The Baron’s Vexing Wife (Love’s Second Chance: Tales of Lords and Ladies, #5) by Bree Wolf and this review was given freely.
Cunning, subterfuge, and well intentions help Derek achieve his goal, the hand of Lady Madeline. The romance of Derek Ainsworth and Lady Madeline flows easily. This clean and sweet romance has a strong theme of doubt of self worth but a reformed Rogue, a cute three year old and loving interfering family and friends provide both balance and humor.
Short review. Not my favorite by the author but still enjoyable. I liked Derek thought he was a very patient and good man, Madeline on the other hand took quite sometime for me to warm up do to her snobby behavior. There lack of connection was definitely frustrating at times that I just wanted to lock them both in a room for a week until they talked everything through.
all her books are wonderful ,heartwarming with well developed characters