A brand-new prequel novel in Elisa Braden’s beloved Rescued from Ruin series, this is the romantic, sensual tale of how the first Huxley sister fell in love … and how the boy she loved became the man she couldn’t resist.She’s not one for half measuresLady Annabelle Huxley believes anything worth doing is worth doing boldly, and that includes adoring Robert Conrad. As a girl, she chased him with … Conrad. As a girl, she chased him with reckless abandon, and he always rescued her when she pushed too far … until the day rescuing her cost him everything—and lost her the boy she loved as no other.
He’s not the boy she remembers
The accident that shattered his body and his future left Robert Conrad fighting a battle only the hardest men win. After seven hellish years, even his tough soldier of a grandfather thinks he needs a wife to “civilize” him. But the season’s sole temptation is Annabelle, no longer a worshipful girl, now a siren with a womanly laugh, sarcastic mouth, and curves to make an uncivilized man sweat.
Love this powerful is not so easily broken
Her habit of chasing trouble hasn’t changed. Neither has his driving need to protect her. So, when a scandalous secret draws danger too close, he’ll wield his weapons ruthlessly—blackmail, betrothal, seduction—to keep her safe once more. And when his strength is all that stands between her and a perilous abyss, she’s reminded why loving Robert Conrad has always been the hardest habit to break.
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I would give this book 10 stars if I could – it was that good!
Lady Annabelle Huxley has loved Robert Conrad her entire life and is sure they are destined to marry and live happily ever after. Robert has always been her protector and her champion – saving her and defending her, always patient with her and calling her Bumblebee – she cannot imagine a life that doesn’t include him. So when she panics at the thought of him dying in the war, her actions set into motion a tragedy of epic proportions. An accident that costs Robert his dreams and costs Annabelle her heart.
When Robert wakes after the accident and realizes his life has changed, he banishes Annabelle from his life. He remains friends with Annabelle’s brother John, but refuses to let him speak her name. For the next seven years, Robert struggles to heal. He is a second son and lives with his grandfather, the Marquis of Mortlock. When his hopes of a military career are dashed, he takes over the estate management at his grandfathers urging, throwing himself into it almost to the exclusion of all else. But everything changes when his grandfather insists that Robert needs to find a wife. He sends him to London and tells him to heed the advice of his friend, The Dowager Marchioness of Wallingham, she will find him a wife. He goes and doesn’t meet any woman who interests him, until he hears a voice that sparks something in him, he searches for the source and is desperate to see her face – but when he does, he is shocked to see Annabelle – his Bumblebee – but not the girl he knew 7 years ago, no, this Annabelle is a woman.
Annabelle has tried to live without Robert, she writes him letters that she never sends, has enlisted spies to keep her informed of his progress and tried to find another man that she could love. To distract herself, she draws and has turned it into a bit of a career – using gossip and turning them into amusing caricatures, which she sells to a publisher under a false name. Her life is not empty, but she not longer feels alive. When she sees Robert at the ball, it was like her heart started beating again. But she is still hurt and tells herself to keep her distance. However, Lady Wallingham has other ideas – she proposes that Annabelle help Robert find a wife!
What follows is a touching love story that will make you laugh, cry and sigh in equal measure. Wonderful characters, secrets, murder, steamy love scenes, amusing banter, tragedy and soul-mate love combine together in an amazing and unforgettable story that will stay with you long after the last word is read.
This is the prequel to the series, but doesn’t have to be read first – in fact if you have been following the series, you will see many familiar faces!! I loved this book and cannot recommend it highly enough!!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
This author always thrills me with each new book and this one was no exception. Robert and Annabelle have a love story for the ages! I do not want to post spoilers as you are pulled in from page one. The characters are richly developed and the historical details are enriching and enlightening too. You are never left confused as Elisa Braden always explains rhings well to her readers. This book can be read as a standalone but the series is sublime! I never want these books to end as I know these characters. Do yourself a favor and read them all. You can sigh with gratitude and thank me later.
Lady Annabelle followed her brother’s best friend Robert Conrad around from the time she was a toddler. She had an affinity for him and buzzed around him like a tiny garden pest, hence Robert’s nickname for her: “bumblebee”. Although five years older, Robert lived close by, spent a great deal of time with her family, and he always treated her as if he were her own special protector. At the still tender age of thirteen, a terrible accident occurred for which Annabelle blamed herself while Robert isolated himself from everyone.
Seven years pass, and after a prolonged struggle to recover, with the help of his tough and beloved grandfather, Robert is sent to London to find himself a wife. It’s not that he really wants a wife, they’re really more of a bother, but his grandfather is ailing, and he’s promised he will marry. At a gathering he’s invited to, with assistance from the indomitable Grand Dame, Lady Wallingham, Robert crosses paths with his bumblebee, Annabelle.
She is no longer a tiny thirteen year old, but a beautiful woman. A lady who has a secret, one who continues to need the protection of her knight. Robert feels the pull to her and the events begin to bring them into each other’s orbit, but can each of them overcome the past seven years? Should they? Are longing and passion enough to forge a future?
I loved this book. I love this entire series. The characters and plot are wonderful and the writing, dialogue,and language just flow. The story draws the reader in, bringing these characters to life. I especially adore Lady Wallingham and wonder if John Huxley, Annabelle’s older brother will ever settle down.
I can’t recommend this book, in fact the entire series enough.
Robert Conrad was the long-time best friend of Annabelle Huxley’s older brother. He was her hero since the days of skinned knees and broken toes, and despite her brother’s insistence she was a pest, Robert was always kind, attentive and coming to her aid. As they grew older, the five year span between their ages seemed slackened as she became a young teen and he was now 18 years of age, having purchased a commission. Annabelle saw him in a whole new light as she realized the depths of her feelings. And then… a terrible accident occurs when Robert again attempts to rescue her from her persistent behavior, and he is severely injured, threatening his very life and dashing his hopes and dreams for the future. Robert, for reasons unbeknownst to Annabelle, banishes her from his life stating, “I wish never to set eyes upon your face again”.
Annabelle stays away, but she doesn’t forget Robert, always keeping informed of his life and writing him letters which are never sent. The use of her letters by this author is such a special touch to this entire story and reveals so well what’s in Annabelle’s heart. Absolutely beautiful
Over the years, Annabelle has grown into a strong and determined lady, still taking risks and at times putting herself in harms way. Robert, forced to follow a different path has had great success with his grandfather’s estate. Seven years later, the two will come face to face again. So many memories, so many feelings and emotions, among those guilt and regret. And now, the tables are turned. Robert becomes the pursuer, as he tells Annabelle, “I shall follow you, Annabelle. Everywhere”.
So many wonderful things about this book! With well written and believable characters, the storylines are captivating and filled with much emotion. I highly recommend “Ever Yours, Annabelle”, the newest release by this very talented author. Surrounded by the wonderful characters that make up the Huxley family and acquaintances, this prequel entices and tempts the reader to crave more of the Rescued from Ruin series. And the great thing is, many of those stories are already there, just waiting for the new reader to discover or Elisa Braden fans to re-read and enjoy once again.
I received an arc for my honest opinion, and also purchased for my collection.
Since I came upon Mrs Elisa Braden last year, I’m a huge fan, I have read so far all her work.
Yesterday, was an awful day for the reader I am, more than 5 books of authors I follow were released.
Why!
And the day prior I got a notice about this one book.
How to choose between all these new ones.
One of these books was luckier than the others as I have read it as an ARC, and without a fight I choose Ever Yours, Annabelle.
I so love Mrs Braden’s talent to bring her characters to life.
Annabelle and Robert are such wonderful characters, they were destined soulmates but their love exceeded them, so much that as kids, it put themselves in dangerous situations.
Just the first two chapters were heartbreaking, it portrayed the depth of their love and as Robert is the oldest, the decision he took thinking only to protect Annabelle, not from him but from herself because of he.
Then it is how they rekindle when seven years later, some scheming elders decide it is time to mend the bridge between them.
They are no more children, their feelings and sentiments are those of adult persons but still, they are drawn to each other. A big chiasma which changed them forever has left deep scars and despite those they can run, flee, they still step in another path.
Annabelle is a reckless creature, her mind can’t stay still, she needs actions, physical or virtual. Whatever she does, it has always a dangerous side, even when she appears to have found a quiet way to use her energy, it turns against her.
Robert had to fight many battles before he was able to face Annabelle, from the lose of his dreams, his recovery and the healing of his soul, he thought that by erasing Annabelle from his life, he will protect her but it was just like a ticking time bomb, at one time it will blow up.
Just will he be there to piece her back together.
As for all her stories, Mrs Braden crafts flawed characters I loved to see grow and be better for love.
Plus it was so nice to see again some of the characters who will be featured in the series, Jane is one I do adore.
Ever Yours, Annabelle, by Elisa Braden is the tenth addition to the Rescued From Ruin series, albeit, a prequel to the whole thing! I love this series! I love this book! There is a little of everything, from glimpses into the past of currently beloved characters to Annabelle and Robert’s love affair: Genie as a little girl, Maureen as an anxious teen, Lady Wallingham in her season. There was mystery and angst, as well. Annabelle, like all the Huxley girls, cannot seem to stay out of trouble. This time she is surreptitiously drawing cartoons for a nefarious gossip sheet. Of course, no one knows it’s her. She has hidden her identity under several layers of identity. Robert Conrad, her childhood love, only has to see one of them and he knows who the artist is. It’s been even years but they are drawn together as if it were yesterday.
They are faced with plenty of issues: Robert requested that she leave his life forever seven years ago-no letters, no visits, no nothing. She has complied, yet all of a sudden there he is standing in front of her. God, she has missed him, but again she complies and walks away. It is not so easy for him. Once more she needs his protection. She needs HIM. Her parents are thrilled to see him and Lady Wallingham has offered her assistance in his quest for a wife, much to his chagrin. What a fabulous story; the beginning to a fabulous series. Braden has done a terrific job of maintaining a degree of believability, difficult in Regency romance. She has crafted endearing stories, always maintaining the theme. One of my favorite authors; one of my favorite series. Thank you!
I Might Have Been Tempted To Skip The Series Had I Read This Prequel First
I read every book in this series before this one and liked them overall. This one, surprisingly, was disappointing. I thought the premise was fascinating, so I couldn’t wait to dig into the story. Unfortunately, Robert’s reasoning didn’t justify the premise. There were other options aside from crushing a 13-year-old girl’s heart, leaving her with a heavy burden of guilt for seven long years. Robert could have used the accident as a reason to encourage Annabelle to curb her recklessness. He could have kept chaperoned company with her or sent her letters during his convalescence if he wasn’t up for company. Instead, he was cruel.
Annabelle’s continued recklessness as an adult was exasperating. However, when I thought about it, it made sense. Annabelle experienced shattering heartbreak at a young age by the only man she loved, believing it was her fault. She would need to cling to something to fill the void, and when that thing was threatened, she took risks to protect it. Of course, she and Robert had their happy ending, but I couldn’t shake the thought that their turmoil did not have to happen the way it did.
Allll the feels! Loved it!
Starring Lady Annabelle Huxley and Mr. Robert Conrad. Childhood Friends, unrequited love, and intrigue tropes
Gaaaaaah…. I ugly cried AF on the first chapter… I ugly cried AF in the middle…. I ugly cried AF at the end. I was just a blubbering, sobbing mess with this book… and it was beautiful!! Loved every second I spent with Robert and Annabelle.
Omg!! Robert and Annabelle went through the wringer, but the ties that bound them together were unbreakable. I totally hurt for what they had to endure… all the blame and guilt due to Robert’s accident…. the separation that they had to endure until fate (and two meddling elders) decided it was time to reunite these destined lovers. Omigosh, so much emotions!! And I cheered so loudly when they reached their HEA. This story is going on my “All Time Fave Book” list coz everything about it was beyond perfect!!
Thank you, Elisa Braden for another fantastic story. You totally are one of my Keeper Shelf authors… you definitely know how to give your readers all the heart feels!!
This is the prequel to the Rescued from Ruin series. All the books I’ve read in the series have been amazeballs!!
My star rating: 5 stars
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were amazing. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will be re-reading this story over and over and over again!!
“Daring is no great feat. Countless fools have dared and lost.”
Ever Yours, Annabelle is a prequel book for the Rescued in Ruin series by Elisa Braden. This is the story of the eldest Huxley sister, Annabelle. I’m so happy we got her story, I’ve always kind of felt I started in a middle of a series because I know all the other Huxleys so well. Annabelle loved Robert Conrad with an all-encompassing and almost obsessive. She disregarded all safety for herself to near him since she could walk, but Robert was always there to save her. In an accident that almost killed both him and her, Robert banished her, so she would finally stay away. But now Robert is back and looking for a bride, and Annabelle is the only one that’ll do. I think the author did a good job of bridging the gap between loving as children and loving as adults. Having the idealism of childhood fall away, realizing that love’s not going to be perfect. And sometimes weathering those problems makes the relationship stronger. This book made me cry, there’s no better compliment I can give.
Bookstagram: @hopeless.book.romantic
I was hesitant to read this prequel, since I really enjoyed the series, and didn’t think it could be as good. Was I wrong! The story of Annabelle and Robert is unique – two souls with one heartbeat since childhood. Obviously, the attraction then was different. Annabelle followed Robert and he was always patient with her and protected her. It was as if they recognized the need for each other – until the terrible accident when Annabelle was 13 and Robert 18 and looking forward to his commission to fight Napoleon. Terrified of Robert going to war and possibly dying, Annabelle does what she has always done – trailed after Robert and her older brother John (best friends). Robert saves Annabelle at a terrible cost to himself. He hurts both of them by cutting all ties with her thinking this will ensure her safety. Robert survives thanks to his grandfather who has raised him since the death of his mother at age 6. Putting him in charge of Rivermore Abbey, the estate thrives. Until the day his grandfather, with the aid of Lady Wallingham (truly a magnificent and wonderful character throughout this series) decide to aid the cause of true love to bring these two together.
They meet at a ball and Annabelle feels alive for the first time in 7 years! But Robert is asking for her help in choosing a bride!! The adventures they both are involved in prove the true worth of their unique love. Annabelle still loves Robert but thinks he does not love her enough. Robert stills feels Annabelle needs protecting. Time proves to each of them the depth of the love each has for the other, expressed differently, but real and true. Annabelle is blessed to have the devotion of her parents and sisters, along with her brother John (his story should be fascinating). Heartfelt, touching, devoted, tried in fire – their love surpasses all obstacles and as his grandfather predicated, together they build a strong ship with their love to ride whatever difficulties life throws their way. Very inspiring and beautiful love story!! Thank you Ms. Braden, for a wonderful, inspiring, enjoyable series!!!
I love the idea of prequels and this one is the BOMB!! I have read the whole “Rescued from Ruin” Series and this story is just as stunning! I was hooked from the first paragraph. Annabelle and Robert have known each other their whole lives. Robert is her brother’s best friend and has been keeping Annabelle safe from her wild escapades. She follows Robert and her brother everywhere even though her brother keeps telling her she is a nuisance and wants her to leave them alone. Annabelle is in love with Robert and someday they will marry and they will live happily ever after. The story opens up when she is 13years old and Robert is 18, being a second son he has joined the Army and will be leaving soon. She is spying on Robert and her brother swimming and her eyes are glued to Roberts magnificent physique. She is spotted and tries to run so she won’t get in trouble, but she slips and Robert is there to save her as usual, but this time the consequences of her actions leave Robert severely injured and will not be able to go in the Army now.
It takes years for Robert to heal and while he is he works on his Grandfather’s estate. When his Grandfather starts bugging him about finding a wife he gives in and goes to London for the Season. When he sees Annabelle for the first time in 7 years all the feelings they have for each other come rushing back. He wants no one but Annabelle. She is wary and doesn’t know what to make of Robert’s intentions. This is a story that is filled with pain, anguish, regrets, and sorrow, that will take Robert and Annabelle on a journey that will take them to a place where they have never been before. It will test their strength and the love that they feel for each other.
I laughed and cried while reading this poignant love story. The sex scenes are steamy. This book is an emotional roller coaster that will leave you wanting more. I recommend this and all of Elisa’s books. You will not be disappointed.