In this beauty-and-the-beast regency romance by USA TODAY bestselling and HOLT Medallion winning author Bree Wolf, a grieving widower and a fierce young lady come to see that the past can never be forgotten, but its regrets can be forgiven.England 1802: GRAHAM ASTOR, DUKE OF KENSINGTON is a beast and he knows it. Consumed by loss and misery, he has no need or desire for company or anything else … company or anything else polite society has to offer. What he needs is a wife—not for himself, but as a mother for his child—and it appears he’s found the perfect timid, young wallflower for the job. A woman who will make no demands of him. A woman who will leave him alone with his pain.
When her ruthless uncle informs ROSABEL that she is to marry the dark, brooding and recently widowed Lord Kensington, terror steals into her heart. Without any other options, Rosabel soon finds herself tied to a man who refuses to speak to her. A man whose cold gaze sends chills down her back. A man utterly displeased with her presence.
However, as Rosabel and his daughter grow closer, Graham soon realizes that his new wife is a far cry from the timid wallflower he thought her to be. For Rosabel possesses a gentle strength he cannot ignore, and with each passing day, her kindness and tender joy become harder and harder for him to resist. Soon, Graham finds himself longing for the very thing he fears the most.
Rosabel’s love.
Will he dare 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. Get FORGOTTEN AND REMEMBERED, grab a cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading spot and start this swoon-worthy romance now!
more
I liked it – would recommend! Graham Astor, Duke of Kensington has given up on love after the death of his wife -he keeps his young daughter at a distance for fear of hurting her. He needs to find a wife for his daughter’s sake.
Rosabel Lander has lived with her overly strict aunt and uncle, who demand total obedience from her, since the death of her parents. All she wants is to find her freedom.
Will Rosabel be forced to marry a complete stranger who has asked for her hand – obedience to her aunt and uncle says she must accept. Will Graham be too late to convince Rosabel to be part of he and his daughter’s life?
I recommend this book for romance, love, family and a HEA!
I loved it.
Very good emocional descriptions
Love’s Second Chance Series ( Tales of Lords and Ladies Books 1-7; Tales of Damsels and Knights Books 1-5 )
1. Book 1: Forgotten & Remembered: The Duke’s Late Wife:5 stars
I received a free copy of the clean historical romance Forgotten & Remembered: The Duke’s Late Wife (Love’s Second Chance: Tales of Lords & Ladies Book 1) by Bree Wolf and my review was given freely.
This is a well-written, well-rounded, clean, historical Romance.. The characters seem real making it easy to get involved with the emotions and conflicts throughout the book. I am looking forward to the sequel.
2. Book 2: Cursed & Cherished: The Duke’s Willful Wife:5 stars
I purchased a copy of the clean historical romance Cursed & Cherished: The Duke’s Wilful Wife (Love’s Second Chance: Tales of Lords & Ladies Book 2) by Bree Wolf and this review was given freely.
This is another well-written clean Historical Romance. The foreshadowing hints at the underlying plots without fully giving it away. This is another well-written love story filled with conflict between the main couple, Anna’s family, and her best friend. The conflicts provide just enough spice and intrigue to keep you hooked. Of course like all good love stories, the ending is a happy one and lends a sense of completeness to the story, yet hints at a sequel.
3. Book 3: Abandoned & Protected: The Marquis’ Tenacious Wife:4 stars
I received a free copy of the clean historical novel Abandoned & Protected: The Marquis’ Tenacious Wife (Love’s Second Chance: Tales of Lords and Ladies, #3) by Bree Wolf, and this review was given freely.
This is the fourth novel in the series. It takes a slightly different slant in that it involves a Scottish clan rather than English Nobility. Abandoned and Protected contains another strong female main character, Harriet, her many struggles with her past and accepting love. Like the last 3 novels, the end of the book contains a cliffhanger. Unlike the last three novels, the epilogue does not complete the story, It was an excerpt or a second cliffhanger that reinforced the potential of Tristan’s death that was hinted at in the end of the main story.
4. Book 4: Betrayed & Blessed: The Viscount’s Shrewd Wife:5 stars
I received a free copy of the clean historical romance Betrayed & Blessed: The Viscount’s Shrewd Wife (Love’s Second Chance: Tales of Lords & Ladies) by Bree Wolf and this review was given freely.
Betrayed & Blessed is a well-written full-length clean Regency Romance that has it all. Tristan and Elisabeth rise above family abuse and treachery to form a happy and loving marriage. Tristan’s Sister Henrietta and her husband Connor’s mad journey, to save Tristan, is continued in the end of this novel. The Dowager/Grandmother is a strong woman who is not afraid to give her opinion and is skilled in subtle manipulation and insults. Hints are given regarding who I think will be the next couple in the series. And of course, the happy ending.
5. Book 5: Deceived & Honoured: The Baron’s Vexing Wife:5 stars
I received a free copy of Deceived & Honoured: The Baron’s Vexing Wife (Love’s Second Chance: Tales of Lords and Ladies, #5) by Bree Wolf, and this review was given freely.
Cunning, subterfuge and well intentions help Derek achieve his goal, the hand of Lady Madeline. The romance of Derek Ainsworth and Lady Madeline flows easily. This clean and sweet romance has a strong theme of doubt of self-worth but a reformed Rogue, a cute three-year-old and loving interfering family, and friends provide both balance and humor.
6. Book 6: Sacrificed and Reclaimed- The Soldier’s Daring Widow:5 stars 5 stars
I received a free copy of the clean historical novel Sacrificed and Reclaimed- The Soldier’s Daring Widow(Love’s Second Chance: Tales of Lords & Ladies Book 6) by Bree Wolf and this review was given freely.
Separated by the need for adventure, injured at war, and left for dead Edward Dunning returns to England broken in body and mind to find his wife Megan has grown into a strong and independent wife. The majority of this novella expresses the fear, despair, and desires of Megan and Edward both before and during their reunion. This is an emotional romance featuring contemplation of suicide, a child almost falling to her death, and a happy ending expressing joy in the future.
7. Book 7: Destroyed & Restored: The Baron’s Courageous Wife:5 stars
I received a free copy of the clean historical 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 has 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.
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.
An arranged marriage is the last thing that Rosabel expected, but in two weeks she’s married and is the mother to a lonely child. A husband who is cold and stays away is hiding a secret. If she can find out what his secret is, maybe they will have a chance for love. An emotional rollercoaster with the bedroom door closed.
Married within two weeks to a man who has ice in his eyes and has never spoken with her!
Never raised to be the wife of a man of high rank, Rosabel is at a loss as to why a duke who seems to dislike her should want to make her his wife. Once married he abandons her at the ducal estate with his elderly grandmother and his five year old motherless daughter without even bedding her. Lost in grief and despair, Graham is not aware of how badly he is treating his new wife but the once obedient young girl grows in self confidence and is prepared to risk a great deal in order to achieve happiness for the new daughter she quickly loves.
A relentless test in psychological will. Painful memories slowly emerging. Emotional upheaval testing resolve. But oh the happiness to come will certainly be worth it. I do not know how I could have withstood what Annabel endured. There was just enough light in the darkness to keep her encouraged that the light will prevail and grow. Love will win and great will be the resulting happiness. Graham’s love for his first wife overshadowed his marriage to Annabel but through all the trials and suffering through his emotions his love for Annabel shines through at last and they both find heir HEA. Such a heartfelt story of love and loss but the end result will find you smiling and rejoicing in the end.
While the characters were frustrating at times (cough Graham cough), this was a good start to the series. Rosabel was so sweet and Edmond (can’t wait for his story), Helen, and Georgiana were great side-characters. While at times emotionally heavy, I was still able to enjoy reading this and was happy with how the story ended.
GRAHAM ASTOR, DUKE OF KENSINGTON has lately been widowed of his beloved wife, LENORA. Heartbroken, he shuts out everyone he cares about, including his daughter, GEORGIANA, and EDMUND, his best friend and brother-in-law. But he’s no fool, and he knows his daughter needs a parent in her life, so he decides to remarry in order to give her the mother she deserves.
ROSABEL LANDER has no interest in romantic love. She’s seen how it destroyed her parents, and has no intent on giving anyone that sort of power of over her. She has no desire to marry, and is content to share her love with her cousins, as well as any other children who cross her path. Perhaps she could become a governess…..
But Rosabel doesn’t get that choice. When a cold-eyed duke asks her uncle and guardian for her hand in marriage, she has no choice but to accept. Yet the ink is barely dry on their marriage license befor ehe sends her off– alone– to his country estate to care for his daughter.
Rosabel quickly falls in love with her new daughter, but is at odds with how to handle her unwanted husband. At first, she’s satisfied with the current state of affairs, yet his grandmother HELEN advises her not to give up on Graham just yet. And when Rosabel finds Lenora’s diaries, she discovers some surprises…..
What exactly happened between Lenora and Graham, and how is that affecting his relationship with his still-living daughter? Could Graham ever come to truly love Rosabel? And what will happen when Rosabel finally uncovers the truth?
This book was my introduction to the wonderful world of Bree Wolf, and I was not disappointed. her characters have such depth and poiniancy, you can practically feel them. I loved watching the careful development of Rosabel & Graham’s relationship. Edmund was such a delightful character, it made me excited to see him get his own story. And little Georgianna completely won me over with her heart and spunk. A beautiful beginning to a wonderful series.
For the complete serie all my congratulations.I like it tremendously.
Although the characters’ insecurities got a bit tedious toward the end, this was an interesting book. There were some editing problems and proofreading mistakes that were a little irritating, but I did enjoy the storyline. Overall it was a good book.
Everyone in the widower Duke’s circle was surprised by his marriage to an unremarkable woman – including the bride. In 1801 England, marriage was required for a woman’s security. Not that security, or happiness, were assured by marriage. Rosabel, now a duchess, finds her new husband cold, remote and uncommunicative, but most often absent. She devotes herself to her young stepdaughter, who similarly suffers from the Duke’s emotional and physical distance.
The book is a study in secrets, beginning with the question why Rosabel was selected by the duke. The secrets escalate up the social ladder, while Rosabel struggles with her stepdaughter’s need to understand her family. Forbidden stairs, closed doors, attic mysteries abound.
Interesting and well-written romantic fiction.
I thought that this storyline was original and realistic.
I liked all of the characters and thought it was well written
Very well written. I couldn’t put it down! The other books in the series did not disappoint!
Good character development, it was great to witness the development of the heroine and see her grow strong and self confident. Although I was ready to shake the hero and tell him to wake up.
Loved this story. You want this situation to work from beginning to end.
An excellent book that shows that sometimes we suffer because of ignorance and love is a gift for everyone
Great story. Worth the read.
Overall I did like this book but it was also a bit slow and at times felt like it dragged on.
Another great book by Ms Wolf! All her books are inspirational and well written.