“A heart-warming, sigh-worthy romance.” –Collette Cameron, USA Today bestselling authorIn this regency romance by USA TODAY bestselling and HOLT Medallion winning author Bree Wolf, a broken war veteran and a reluctant spinster come to see that sometimes the most painful scars are the ones we cannot see.England 1806: SIR FREDERICK LANCASTER returns from the war with France a broken man, … with France a broken man, guilt-ridden over the loss of a friend who’s been like a brother to him all his life. Then tragedy strikes again, plunging Frederick into a darkness he fears he’ll never escape, and forces on him a life he never wanted.
As the new Marquess of Elmridge, he is duty-bound to find a wife and father an heir. However, once that task is completed, he’ll finally be free to return to the battlefield and end his miserable existence.
A sound plan if ever there was one.
At least, until his mother chooses spinster ELSBETH MUNFORD to be his bride.
After an accident almost took her life, Ellie’s beauty is tainted by ugly scars, ensuring her a place on the shelf as far as society is concerned. Still, despite the tragedy she’s suffered, Ellie has remained a vivacious and caring young woman, who refuses to do one thing: give up…on herself or anyone else.
Least of all her new husband, a man she’s secretly loved for as long as she can remember.
Before Frederick knows what’s happening, he catches himself thinking of his new wife day and night. Her gentle kindness and unfaltering strength call to him, stir his pulse and awaken a long forgotten yearning for love…and life.
But what about the last step of his plan? Will Ellie find herself a widow soon? Or will Frederick risk everything and open his heart to her?
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. Buy DESPISED AND DESIRED, grab a cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading spot and start this swoon-worthy romance now!
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I have read the previous books in this series. This was probably my favorite
Loved this book!
Seemed to be too repetitive about the angst Frederick is going through then suddenly he is over all the trauma
I love Bree’s books and I couldn’t put this one down!
A wonderful story of two people scarred on the outside and the inside. Ellie chooses to make people happy and find beauty in things. Through an arrangement she gets married to someone she met during her childhood, Frederick. Frederick’s scars run way deeper from being in the war and losing his close friend. Even though he is determined to remain detached from Ella, his resolves gets weaker and weaker as she brings life to his family. Even though her scars make her feel unattractive, he sees her beauty. If only he could let her light pierce his darkness.
I love this book.
There were times while reading this book I wanted to tell the Duke to get over himself but then I realized that he had what we would call today PTSD. Fortunately although she had also had trauma she could encourage herself and him to see life was worth living. Good story
Too repetitive. Yes. He was tormented. Got that. Over and over. From chapter 1 to chapter 101. Then the ending was just slapped together…like..oh its long enough now. Would not recommend.
Enjoyed the and their interaction
I really enjoyed reading this realistic story of tragic experiences and how different people respond to them. It totally held my interest. Great Story!
Luved it love can heal
Good book. Did not have explicit sex.
A good book.
Good storyline and interesting characters. Has a twist to the storyline that helped to make the story more interesting.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was entertaining and had my full attention from beginning to end.
Loved the settings and the characters. Enjoyable read.
Ellie was too perfect and the downfall of another character was unbelievable.
unfortunately a too obvious and predictable ending if that fact is ignored then it was a fun read.
I love the characters and the story plot. It was an excellent read for Christmas break.
Too long, a big yawn, amazing overuse of the word “curl” when describing a smile, don’t waste your time on this one.