”. . . romance with mistaken identities, wicked villians, strong women and men who are strong enough to accept them as equals.” ~Shamim MoraniThe death of her husband freed Serena Riverton from life as an abused sex-object. Now, her brother plans to sell her to another vile man.This time, Serena flees, but finds herself stranded and near penniless. When a passing gentleman offers help, Serena … gentleman offers help, Serena accepts, and develops a new plan: become a rich man’s mistress so she can leave at any time.
Believing herself barren, Serena initiates a passionate encounter with her rescuer. However, Francis, Lord Middlethorpe is already committed to a sweet-natured lady. He finds Serena refuge with an elderly relative, and must return to his life. Then Serena discovers she’s pregnant.
They have no choice but to marry, but assailed by Serena’s scheming brothers, Francis’s appalled relatives and Serena’s painful past, is there any hope for the loving future they both seek?
From The Publisher: Author Jo Beverley is known for her consumate attention to historical detail that wisks the reader back in time to a near first-hand experience. Fans of Regency romance and historical British fiction set in the 19th century, as well as readers of Jess Michaels, Mary Balogh, Christi Caldwell, Stephanie Laurens, Madeline Hunter and Mary Jo Putney will want to read every book by Jo Beverley.
Please Note: Story contains references to the heroine’s sexually abusive first marriage that some readers may find disturbing.
“Any woman would be able to understand Serena’s horror… and her inability to trust” ~Romance Reviews Today
“Nobody does Regency better than Jo Beverley.” ~Rendezvous
“Ms. Beverley breaks just about every rule in the book and makes us beg for more in this enthralling love story.” ~Romantic Times
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It seems that so many romance novels are just sex novels with very little romance. While I find the characters well developed and the plot very detailed, it has a disturbing premise. It contains flashbacks of sexual abuse to a young teenager. Lies and deceptions seem common place and disturbing family relationships. While I did pull for the hero …
Good book.
Super good story there are so many twists and turns, side stories, action, adventure, and good old fashion drama and you will have a hard time putting the book down. From such a young age Serena has been abused and mistreated by pretty much everyone who should have been taking care of her. Her father, brothers, and dead husband were …
I absolutely enjoyed this totally exciting book. I think after what Serena had to endure with her first husband, she had to be strong to get over it. Francis had so many misunderstandings, I wonder how he survived. I loved all the well developed intriguing characters, I especially enjoyed Arabella, she is a great character. Loved the drama, …
A passionate story of a couple facing big challenges. Francis is a Viscount and one of the Rogues. He is reserved and looking forward to getting married. Serena is a widow finally freed from a horrific marriage. A chance encounter changes the course of both their lives. The story once again brings out the force of the Rogues to rally around one of …
thought things were changing for the better another threat was making her falter. Decisions she had to made and quickly because her safety was at risk. Quiet, honest, and not very experienced in the arts of love, Francis found himself in a compromised and complicated situation that he had no control over. His way of handling stress and reaching …
This book was just an ok read for me, the storyline was good, and the characters were detailed enough that Serena and Francis kept my attention until the turn of the very last page!
Jo Beverley is one of the best romance writers, true to history, with great, believable characters and wonderful plots. I think she was the best, and this series was excellent!
I don’t think Jo Beverley and I jell well.
Another hero in this series prostitutes sexes it up for England with an evil French femme fatale spy but only after he marries the woman his twin brother raped to hide his homosexuality. This book follows along with the same level of ick.
A lot of ethically challenged behavior going on.
Heroine:
Born …
Serendipity, from the start it seemed fate had a hand in the blossoming relationship. Love conquers even the most difficult circumstances.
I was a fan of Jo Beverly years ago, and picked up this book on kindle as a book bub recommendation, and remember why I loved the rouges so much when I first read the series!
03/03/2021 “Forbidden” (nook) definitely is worthy of a 6 star rating. There are great writers and then there are excellent writers – Ms. Beverly is one of the excellents. She has a marvelous way with words – one flowing into the next until you are immersed in the enthralling story. I could not put down the book and stayed up until the wee …
I read all the rogue series after this as I was intrigued by the group
ALways enjoy Jo Beverly’s books. This was no exception
I loved this book it was one I could not put down ..thank you for an amazing book .
Enjoy, a bit quirky easy reading kept interested
Finally a widow after 8 years of marriage to a depraved monster, Serena is horrified to find out that her brothers have spent her inheritance and are planning to sell her off to the highest bidder. Rather than be another man’s plaything she runs but soon discovers how perilous her situation is and takes drastic action to try and secure her future. …
This is not the best of this series. I generally like Jo Beverly books but there were some elements to this one that verged on unsavory and sordid. The hero was honorable. The heroine was desperate. If you’re looking for a cozy read, this isn’t it but it is ultimately satisfying.
This was a little bit different that the usual romance. The twists made it better.
Enjoyed very much, a good read!