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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Well written, this book touched me in a way that I didn’t expect. Most Regency romance novels either take the stance of a relationship between a couple of equal status or that the heroine moves from rags to riches. It’s unusual to find the heroine having to take a step down into poverty from riches. When Madeline finds herself being compromised by the wrong man, she is furious. She never gave Derek a chance to explain why he came after her at the ball, and he had too much pride to force the issue. We first met Derek, protector to his best friend, in a previous novel in this series, and he remains as honourable and steadfast throughout this book. After their marriage, Derek gives Madeline a choice. Initially, she thinks she has won first prize, but it quickly becomes evident that in choosing to satisfy her own desires, she has made a grave error of judgment. Arriving at Derek’s run down home, Madeline finds herself ill-equipped to meet the challenges facing her. With time she begins to realise that there is goodness in people of all walks of life, and as she experiences a growing acceptance both by Derek’s family and his tenants, she discovers the joy of a meaningful life and making a difference in the lives of the people she interacts with. At first, Madeline appears to be a selfish aristocrat, with no thought for anyone else apart from her own selfish desires. Life with Derek and his family teaches her the reality of a pride in the work of one’s hands and making the best of a situation. Derek has his own issues to work through, resulting in him coming to the conclusion that he has had his own set of prejudices. I enjoyed reading about the characters that appeared in previous books in this series, however, this novel is a stand-alone with a happy ending. The story is also clean, making it suitable for most age groups. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Take a young lady who is born into the life and a young gentleman who is awarded the status of Baron by the Crown for his war efforts, put them together and shake well – the result is an extremely interesting one with lots of ‘Should I?’ or ‘Shouldn’t I?’ by both of them and yet neither of them seems able to say those three magic words to one another.
Throw in a bit of jealousy, a lot of ‘I’m useless’ and the story gets even more intriguing.
Then make sure that the story is written by Bree Wolf and you have a page-turner that will entertain you and keep you wanting more and more stories by her.
Have you guessed that I loved this book?
I voluntarily read a free advance copy and this has been my unbiased review.