In Anabelle Bryant’s latest novel of ardor and ambition, a lord will stop at nothing to possess the woman of his dreams . . . In monetary matters, Jeremy Lockhart, Viscount Dearing, is used to being in control, but from his first sight of Lady Charlotte, his carefully cultivated world is rocked to its foundations. Determined to best her other, more eligible suitors, he goes to great lengths to … suitors, he goes to great lengths to ensure his betrothal to Charlotte. A locked black leather box holds the dark secret that has assured his success.
Innocent Lady Charlotte is baffled by her new husband’s behavior. Why does Lord Dearing seem so distant one day, and so attentive the next? Her family’s dire financial straits did not allow her the luxury of an extended courtship. If only she could entice him into the marriage bed! When at last Charlotte’s efforts are rewarded, she revels in Jeremy’s unexpectedly bold possessiveness. But outside of their bedchambers, her groom’s guardedness quickly returns. Passion is no longer enough for sweet Charlotte, who vows to unlock the mystery of this complicated man. The truth, however, might be more than her principled heart is prepared to handle. . . .
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London’s Best Kept Secret by Anabelle Bryant is book Two in the Midnight Secrets Series. This is the story of Jeremy Lockhart, Viscount Dearing and Lady Charlotte Lockhard. I loved the previous book, but feel this is a standalone book if you choose to do that.
Charlotte’s family were in dire finial need so she was to be married off to bring in finial help. Jeremy is the man that won her hand and now several months in their marriage of convenience they are no further in knowing each other. Jeremy does hold a secret that may turn Charlotte away from him but he guards it. They both start to want to learn more about the other…opening the door to their feelings growing.
I am such of fan of Ms. Bryant’s writing! I just love her books…she is my go to author when I need a great romance story….love this book.
London’s Best Kep Secret
Midnight Secrets book 2
by Anabelle Bryant
This was an intense, emotional story of two people that although were living as husband and wife they really were two strangers. Jeremy Lockhart has fallen in love with his wife on sight. He vows to make her his no matter what he has do, even if he has to thwart everyone else by offering her parents a way out of debt.
Once married he knows not what to do with his new wife, he goes to great lengths to avoid her.
Lady Charlotte is sure her husband means to start their life together eventually, he’s just shy. But when he doesn’t go to her on their wedding night she’s baffled. She decides after having a conversation with her best friend on how her married life is she takes matters in her own hands. But is she prepared for the secrets he hides? Will her marriage survive before it even had a chance to begin?
This was another amazing read from the very talented Anabelle Bryant, she knows just how to draw you in. I loved the way the relationship slowly progressed from a slow burn to finally one of explosive proportions!
I highly recommend this wonderful new series you will not be disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy from the author, via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
This story brought forth that amazing feeling of when I read my first historical romance. Mesmerized, enchanted and in love with the characters with the desire to read as many as I could! Yes I have the bookshelf to prove it! All of the elements of a little humor, hidden secrets, underlying desire and emotions that come off the page were woven into one of the best love stories I have read this year. Throw in a black adorable kitten and a secret the hero is having a hard time dealing with and I was hooked.
Jeremy, Viscount Dearling had offered for Charlotte without her even knowing him. Her family needed the money and he satisfied that with his funds and led her father to believe he had been enchanted with her since the first time he had heard her play the pianoforte. He was a reserved quiet man confident in his ability in finance but not of the heart. Charlotte had grown up in a loving houshold with three sisters. She was ready to make her marraige a real one, but there was one problem. They had been married ten mos and he had not spent any time with her let alone touched her!
You see he was hiding a terrible secret that he felt she would hate him if she knew. But as he sees other men attracted to her, he begins wooing and spending time with her. Can their marraige survive and become a real loving one? What if she find’s out?
Anabelle Bryant has endeared my heart and I will forever be a fan since reading this story. Her characters come alive and her writing pullsthe emotions off the pages. This will go on my keeper shelf to be reread and cannot wait for the next book in this series!!
If I could have just sat in my car until this story finished, I would have. There were plenty of secrets that could have derailed their marriage, but Charlotte and Jeremy finally realized what was most important. I enjoyed Charlotte’s blossoming as Jeremy basically courted her. She was more confident, and her intelligence shone through in their interactions. Jeremy’s determination to have what he wanted but too guilt-ridden to take it completely actually endeared him to me, making him more human. I highly recommend this story. The narration by Victoria Aston brought the characters to life and was a pleasure to listen to on my way to and from work.
This is my unsolicited review.
Consumed by Love
I couldn’t wait for the release of Dearing and Charlotte’s story after the gentle tease of their situation in book 1. That said, book 2 can definitely be read as a stand-alone. What initially captured my attention was the whole husband and wife from an arranged marriage storyline. However, I quickly realized there was so much more than the usual plot hidden among these pages: secrets, lies, manipulation, mixed with honorable intentions, yearning, desire, and deep emotion. Lots to grasp and enjoy in one of those books you just can’t put down.
He admired her beauty and talent but lacked confidence in his ability to gain her notice. Feeling any attempt to gain her attention would fall short, he did what he could through his superior business genius to arrange a deal that would assure him success in obtaining the wife of his dreams.
After an almost non-existent courtship and hasty marriage, the awkward cordiality, with only occasional signs of affection, was keeping them strangers after nearly a year’s time. Nothing is as simple as it seems, and much is revealed with the discovery of who Dearing really is inside and how deep his love for Charlotte. And beautiful Charlotte gradually comes to realize just maybe she can begin with her music, presenting him a glimpse of herself, an offering, a gift, a way to begin to communicate and overcome the feelings and frustrations that hold them both hostage.
A touching and beautiful read filled with so much emotion, but the road is not easy, and the rocky stretches just may be enough to steal away the realization of their hopes and dreams. I highly recommend this tender love story that is sure to please on every level, and keep you begging for more of the wonderful characters of the Midnight Secrets world.
This is the second book in the series by Anabelle Bryant. I think that I have read everything that she has written, and I have enjoyed all of them. This book did not disappoint. It is a book full of secrets. Both main characters, Charlotte and Jeremy, both have their secrets. You will enjoy this book.
Charlotte and Jeremy are a wonderful couple in this 2nd book in the series Midnight Secrets. Jeremy, Viscount Dearing has always been smart in making deals of financing, and anything to do with his home life but when seeing Charlotte something happened to his heart, and he wanted her no matter what. But when he decided to woo her he noticed that he wasn’t the only gentleman that was. So he just took into his mind that no matter what he was going to get her so he did some ruthless deals and when it affected Charlotte’s family he swooped in and helped them by proposing to her father and they were married.
When Charlotte married Jeremy, she knew that it was arranged but that she was under the impression that it was helping her family not the real reason. Jeremy didn’t know what to do, every time he tried he would get nervous of being not romantic or hurt Charlotte , but instead after the wedding went away for weeks, so that 10 months down the line Charlotte doesn’t understand why they haven’t even kissed, let alone even really have any conversations.
Then an issue with her sister forces Charlotte to keep a secret from Jeremy, then Jeremy becomes jealous and with a meddlesome friend, and enemy, and even Charlotte’s father put a secret in place.
Anabelle has you from the beginning wandering what the main secret is, then has you wanting to know why Charlotte just doesn’t tell Jeremy her sister’s issue. Then with Lord Mallory trying to mess with their marriage with a bet that he started.
What does Charlotte and Jeremy finely do? You will need to read to find out and you won’t be disappointed.
Hope to see the next book soon.
I loved this book so much! This is the second book in The Midnight Secrets. This is Jeremy Lockhart, Viscount Dearing and Charlotte’s story. We also get to connect with characters from the first book, which is why I love books in a series, especially Anabelle’s books. The characters are so vivid and when I get into the book it is so real to me, it is like I am in the story. I can feel both the characters’ feelings, their sadness, happiness and their thoughts!
This book is a little different than Anabelle’s other books in that it has a lot of angst! All kinds of angst. and a lot of miscommunication, which is really daunting for both of these characters. Charlotte can’t believe what is happening and is so confused, and Jeremy has caused himself a lot of problems which you will read about.
The plot is great and a few twists will have you wondering where this story will end up! The best part is the rich details of the time period they are in and how it affects the characters and mold them in what they have become.
As with all good books, there are other things going on besides the main problem and this brings its own issues as well. In this book we find out how damaging a truth hidden can affect everyone. That’s all I can say about this book, without giving anything away!
I give this book 5 secret stars and can’t wait for the next in the Midnight Series. It is better for you to read book 1 first, London’s Wicked Affair (Midnight Secrets Book 1) so you will get the total benefit of this series.
the secret you ask? I’ll never tell! What I will tell you is this book is fantastic! Wonderful complex characters and a fun storyline with lots of twists and turns. This book will keep you wanting more and you won’t be able to put down! I cannot wait for the next book by this author! She is a fantastic writer and writes with such clarity you feel you are in the story and are with the characters. Everything is so vividly clear!
Another hit from Ms. Bryant. Great characters, slow-burn romance, and an intriguing story about the webs the hero and heroine weave to keep secrets from each other. We watch the webs slowly tighten, and wonder how they will ever be unraveled. I received an ARC of this book.
Wow! I’m in love with this series. London’s Best Kept Secret is the second in the Midnight Secrets trilogy. It can be read as a stand-alone novel but I highly recommend you read Book 1 as well. It is the story of Jeremy Lockhart, Viscount Dearing and Charlotte Lockhart, Lady Dearing. They have been married for 10+ months but have not touched each other in those months. Each has hidden their feelings for one another. How long can they continue to hide their feelings? How long will Dearing be able to hide his secret? This story is so good you’ll be drawn in from the first page until the last. Take a trip to Regency London through the pages and fall in love with Charlotte and Jeremy and their black cat. I promise you won’t regret reading it. I highly recommend this and any by Anabelle Bryant. I obtained this copy through NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing.
Don’t forg
Jeremy Lockhart, Viscount Dearing, is used to being in control, but from his first sight of Lady Charlotte, his carefully cultivated world is rocked to its foundations. Determined to best her other, more eligible suitors, he goes to great lengths to ensure his betrothal to Charlotte. A locked black leather box holds the dark secret that has assured his success. Innocent Lady Charlotte is baffled by her new husband’s behaviour, her family’s dire financial straits did not allow her the luxury of an extended courtship. Now after ten months of marriage they are still strangers.
I found this to be a well written book that was well paced & it held my interest all the way through whilst I read I wondered how on earth Jeremy would get himself out of the hole he’d dug for himself & what Charlotte would do on learning the truth I must admit I was disappointed that Charlotte didn’t make him suffer far more but so saying she did act in character all the way through. I really liked Jeremy but couldn’t condone his actions to win Charlotte nor his secrets & lies. I found Charlotte to be very immature & very much the innocent debutante. I would have liked to have learnt what happened to Louisa.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Second chance stories – I cannot resist. Dearing seemed so staid and formal in the last book but we all know the silent types are the most dangerous (and passionate). This story is all about anticipation. Usually I would say “just talk about it and be done with it” but this story drew me into their secrets, their longings and their passion. Ms. Bryant knows how to reel you into a story and not let you go.
I am hoping Lindsey gets his own story. He was the comic relief and I loved him.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
London’s Best Kept Secret is a fabulous historical romance by Anabelle Bryant. Ms. Bryant has provided readers with a well-written book and furnished it with outstanding characters. Charlotte was hoping to have a love match when it was time for her to marry. She was instead, forced to marry a stranger to help her father’s finances. Jeremy saw Charlotte across a room and wanted her enough to sabotage her father’s business dealings until he was on the brink of bankruptcy and then swooped in to offer to marry Charlotte. Jeremy and Charlotte’s story is loaded with drama, misunderstandings, guilt, spice and humor. I enjoyed reading London’s Best Kept Secret and look forward to reading more from Anabelle Bryant in the future. London’s Best Kept Secret is book 2 of the Midnight Secrets Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete story, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The moment Jeremy Lockhart, Viscount Dearing, set eyes on Lady Charlotte Notley he knew he had to have her for his wife. The lovely Charlotte was the toast of the season and since he lacks skill at speaking to ladies when his heart is involved, Jeremy used his business acumen and manipulated matters to ensure Charlotte was betrothed to him and not one of the many other suitors circling her. Now he keeps the secret of his rescue of her family from financial ruination to himself and hopes to move on to a happy marriage despite the guilt that wracks him.
After months of marriage, Lady Charlotte can’t understand why her husband remains so coldly polite and distant with her, only to give her fleeting glimpses that seem indicative of a true regard. They had a short betrothal and no courtship, but she’s been hopeful that their relationship would develop into a content marriage. Charlotte is attracted to her husband and she thinks he has at least some feelings for her so she sets out to entice him. Unbeknownst to her, shy and awkward Jeremy is hiding a passionate nature and just doesn’t know how to show it to her. Given his manipulation of her, Jeremy is afraid he’ll lose Charlotte if she were to discover his secret, but he eventually realizes he doesn’t really have her now anyway, so he vows to begin courting his wife in earnest. This decision conveniently comes at the same time a lonely Charlotte vows to attempt a flirtation with her husband.
Jeremy decides he must make Charlotte fall in love with him if there is to be any chance of their relationship surviving the revelation of his manipulation. Charlotte is just as determined to earn his love, but just when the two finally become more intimate, Charlotte’s sister comes to her with a dire situation, causing Charlotte to keep secrets from Jeremy and he begins pulling away yet again. With so many secrets and elements working against them it seems unlikely these two will actually achieve the happy marriage they both crave.
Both Charlotte and Jeremy were adorably lonely and unsure of how to approach each other. We get insight into both of their thoughts and a lovely dramatic irony that they’re both thinking the same things, unbeknownst to one another. There’s some delightful sexual tension here, with both characters very attracted to one another but very unsure of what their reception will be and afraid of rejection. I thought it interesting and refreshing that we had a hero who falls head over heels for the heroine first. We also have our hero doing something morally wrong and quite selfish in the name of love. There was lots of delightfully Downton Abbey-esque drama and Jeremy was almost too romantic to be born. This was so incredibly well-written that I didn’t mind the slight tend to tediousness of the plot; this was quickly remedied anyway and the writing was just a pleasure to read. My only complaint was that Charlotte never confided in Jeremy about the reasons for her secrecy when she was helping her sister. Other than that, this was a great book and I’ll look forward to the next in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
RUN CHARLOTTE! RUN!!
Jeremy went to EXTREME lengths to marry Charlotte. His “end justifies the means” approach showed a total lack of concern for how his actions impacted many others, not just Charlotte’s family. Although he had a guilty conscience, his attempt at self-preservation caused Charlotte to suffer for ten months!
All because he found himself infatuated with a pretty woman with mad pianoforte skills…Disturbing.
Although I like this author a lot, this book dragged. Cannot say I found it very inspiring.
I found the first three quarters of the book frustrating. The facade of a marriage between Charlotte and Jeremy was evident. The constant reminders of Jeremy’s worry that his deep dark secret would be revealed and he would lose his wife was a little daunting. It really consumed a lot of reading time. I also feel that the situation with Louisa, one of Charlotte’s younger sisters, was haphazardly thrown into the story with no conclusion of how that situation between Louisa and her lover ended up. It also did not help that Charlotte, who asked for no secrets come between her and Jeremy, did the exact opposite. She lied and kept secrets from him. Charlotte put her sister before her marriage to Jeremy. Now this is where the story became a little more interesting. Malice, jealousy, greed and revenge drove Lord Mallory to malign Charlotte or Jeremy or both preferably. Jeremy had a strange ally in his friend Lord Lindsey who made himself useful by offering advice and gossip. Lindsey made it his business to know whatever was going on at the club. This inevitably became utterly useful to Jeremy. Unbeknownst to Jeremy, Mallory ended up at his townhouse waiting for him. When Charlotte returned home, she received him. Mallory knew of Charlotte’s secret and decided to use it against her. He revealed his own intentions and alluded that Jeremy was hiding things from her. She dismissed him and flew to her chamber. A few minutes later, Charlotte’s curiosity got the better of herself and she was determined to find any and all secrets Jeremy may hold in his study. At the same time Jeremy was with her father confessing his darkest secret. Charlotte found out what Jeremy was hiding and she fell apart in agony. She flew to her dear friend Amelia’s country estate. When Jeremy returned home to confess all, Charlotte was gone. He pursued her, explained everything and shared his deepest feelings for her. Jeremy could only hope that Charlotte would see the sincerity of his words and forgive him. Charlotte was also worried about what Mallory was going to do. When the culmination of everything came, it was anticlimactic. Even though the story tried to capture my attention, it was not enough for a higher rating. There are several stories within the book. Concentration on one or two would be enough for a strong storyline. The major themes I take away from this is deceit, secrets, lies, anger, malice, greed, selfishness and a sort of half hearten romance. There is potential in this story. I just felt a little disappointed and unfortunately do not recommend it. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This interesting historical romance is Book 2 in the Midnight Secrets series by Anabelle Bryant. I didn’t read the previous book but wasn’t the least bit lost; I wouldn’t imagine anyone else would have any problems, either. I think I would enjoy the first one a little more than this one, though. This story was entertaining, but some actions on the parts of our two leads frankly got on my last nerve.
Charlotte and Jeremy had an arranged marriage. Her family was deeply in debt, and Jeremy bailed them out by marrying Charlotte, whom he secretly loved. Once married, though, Jeremy’s secrets were keeping them apart. They still hadn’t consummated their marriage after 10 months! She was falling in love with her husband and wanted a real marriage. Things seemed to be finally progressing…but then Charlotte’s secrets began to interfere.
My irritation with the story can be summed up with one word – secrets. Everyone had them! Jeremy. Charlotte. Charlotte’s father. Charlotte’s sister. Jeremy’s best friend Lindsey. As much love that existed between the parties, it seems no one could be honest. It was difficult to warm up to these characters with all the lying that was going on. However, I really enjoyed reading about the couple from the first book, and the little snippet from the next book totally intrigued me. Even with my annoyance with the plot here, the story ended well, so I will definitely be sticking with this series.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.