“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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Short review. This is the third book by Bree Wolf I have read and I’m glad I did. The book is about two damaged souls Frederick Lancaster who has just return broken from war and Elsbeth Munford who was once on the path to married the man she loved until a horrible fire left her scarred. Frederick’s mother fearing that her son will remain broken convinces him to marry and choses Elsbeth as the right woman to not only heal what’s broken in her son but also heal what’s broken in Elsbeth too. The story does a wonderful job of showing the different paths tragedies can lead people down, whether it’s down a darker path that who they once were seem forever lost, or down the path that their guilt makes them feel that their life isn’t worth living. And for others it can lead to them finding strength within themselves to overcome the unfortunate tragedies that touched their life and help to heal not only the souls of others but their own.
Wonderful read. Once started, couldn’t stop. Loved Ellie and how she was able to help others. She always seemed to know what to say and seemed to see into the soul of a person. Amazing person. Also loved the romance between Ellie and Rick.
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.
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.
Returning home from the Napoleonic War, Frederick is recovering from his wound, but carrying survival guilt. Ellie is a survivor. Saving her brother two years before in a fire, she was burned, then abandoned by the man she was planning to marry. But an interfering mother arranges a marriage for her son with Ellie, who remembers him when she was twelve. Already half in love with him, Ellie hopes to keep him from going back to war. But there’s a problem, someone is trying to kill him. More emphasis on Ellie and Frederick’s relationship, than on the murderer. Nice read!
Deep tragedy and slow redemption
Fans of angsty brooding heroes and gently indomitable survivors will enjoy this slowly developed psychological thriller/mystery/romance. It ends in poetic justice and bittersweet HEA, and is at times repetitive, but emotional authenticity makes it a worthwhile read.
Wonderful, Tragic, Healing & Redemption.
A Wonderful Story.
With what is called this day & age as PTSD, Frederick is Filled with guilt from not being able to save his best Friend from being killed on the battlefield. He truly wishes to be left alone & to go back to the battlefield to die.
Next his his Father passed away. He returns home broken & doesn’t wish to be around his peers, but his brother takes him to a the Annual Midnight Ball where his Brother colapsed & dies.
Elsbeth is physically scared from a fire she ran saved her younger brothers life. She doesn’t sit back & let herself wallow in grief. She goes to social functions where she receives pity stares & everyone. Men are always cordial & respectful but never ask her to dance. She is always helpful when it comes to anyone who is dealing with melancholy & lens her support without judgement. After marrying Frederick, she has a huge battle on her hands, since Frederick isn’t easily persuaded.
This was another great installment! Elsbeth and Frederick have both suffered, in different ways, and the way they grow to understand and help each other was written very well. There was also a little bit of mystery, due to events that happen throughout the book, which was a nice touch.
Both Ellie and Frederick have experienced tragedy but Ellie has been able to rise above her suffering and continue with her life, whilst guilt has overridden Frederick to an extent that he barely exists and lives in a dark place, lacking all emotion. His mother, Theresa, arranges a marriage between them in the hope that Ellie can return her son to the family. However Frederick is stubborn and the book focuses on the uphill struggle that is their marriage.
Good storyline with only a few minor inconsistencies.
Cute story, ,well written.
From one extremes to another is not a pleasant journey but is the end worth fighting for?
Such a heart-warming, sigh-worthy romance. I adored the characters and the skillfully woven story.
Another fantastic historical romance by Bree Wolf. She has done a great job describing her characters and making us feel all their emotions. She shows us how we can rise above our own insecurities and never let other’s opinions affect us. She shows the importance of people’s inner beauty and the inherent nurturing nature that makes physical beauty take a step back.
I don’t wish to tell the story by way of a review, as you will read it yourself. But with just the few chapters provided, I wanted to keep reading. It really caught my interest and I will most certainly get the book to get the whole story.
4 & 1/2 Stars Worthy!
Despised & Desired is the third book in Bree Wolf’s Love’s Second Chance series that I have read. I will say this is a really wonderful series full of great characters and strong stories. I’ve found myself getting emotionally involved in each story. The two main characters, Frederick and Elspeth (Ellie) met years ago by chance when they were still young. During the following years, Ellie suffered emotional and physical scarring from an accident, and after serving in the Napoleonic wars, Frederick returns a shattered and emotionless man after witnessing his best friend’s death. The storyline does involve some mystery mainly due to some unexpected deaths. Frederick and Ellie marry due to his mother choosing someone she feels will help him. Both Frederick and Ellie deal with a lot of tragedy but they end up being able to heal one another.
A very sweet story. As well as unique. She doesn’t let her past get in the way of her future. Lovely!
Despised & Desired: The Marquess’ Passionate Wife :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.
Ellie and Fredrick come alive in this story seeming like people you’ve known for ever. Their story is one of immense pain, but also love at it’s finest. Follow them through darkness, mystery and hope reborn when they finally learn to lean on each other
This is Ellie and Frederick’s story and what a story it it!
Both have issues and are scarred – she is physically scarred and he, mentally, but she is a compassionate and strong young lady who has decided that it is better to face reality and continue with life, helping those she can as she lives her life.
She really has to work hard to get through to Frederick, but she does and how she goes about this is what this book is all about.
It is a great story, filled with the building of trust between Ellie and the various people whose lives she touches. It also tells of the love between her and her husband.
At various points in this story their lives are put into jeopardy and by working together they manage to solve the mystery of who is the guilty party and the why.
A beautiful love story that I am happy to recommend.
I was disappointed in the writer’s chose of a villain. I also, didn’t like her punishment. The entire ending was disappointing, and for me, it tainted the entire book.
I was delighted to find that this book was not your typical romance with a little challenge thrown in. The characters were well developed, the little “plants” here and there in the story line kept me engaged in guessing just “who done it” and how. The passion and romance were clear and sweet but kept clean, which was definitely a huge plus. This one was definitely a page turner and excellent read.