This USA TODAY bestselling Regency romance of Sleeping Beauty and her dashing prince proves that no matter how broken you are, you can always find healing through the unfailing love of another; by Holt Medallion winning author Bree Wolf.England 1807: In his darkest hour, SEBASTIAN CAMPBELL, son to the EARL OF WESTON, all but stumbles over a shy, but brave and utterly beguiling, young woman. Her … beguiling, young woman. Her eyes are guarded, and doubt and pain lurk in their depths, but she moves with the determination of a survivor.
When he learns that Charlotte has nowhere to go, Sebastian offers her a marriage of convenience: he will take care of her and in return their marriage will serve to thwart his father’s plans for the future of the earldom.
However, before long, Sebastian realises that a marriage of convenience will not do for Charlotte’s gentle strength and tender heart soon prove to be his undoing. He finds himself thinking of her day and night, wishing for more – a lot more – than what they agreed upon.
Traumatised and scarred, LADY CHARLOTTE FRAMPTON is running from the demons of her old life when she is swept away to Gretna Green by a handsome and honourable, young man. He promises her the very safety her heart longs for, and before Charlotte knows what’s happening, she is tied to him in marriage.
Doubts soon invade her heart, and when Sebastian starts to look at her with more than friendship in his gaze, Charlotte panics. However, her new husband proves a man of his word, never once crossing the line that Charlotte has drawn around her. His hands catch her whenever she falls, and his gentle kindness begins to soothe the darkness in her soul.
Her heart responds without thought, and Charlotte finds it unwittingly stolen without her consent. But then the demons of her past return, forcing Charlotte to decide whether to run again…or stay and fight.
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 Love’s Second Chance Series. Grab RUINED AND REDEEMED, get a cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading spot and start this swoon-worthy romance now!
Each love story in this series can be read as a stand-alone. However, most readers prefer to read them in order.
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Short review. ARC copy. This was a very moving book about how one heinous act can lead someone not a path of losing themselves and doing things that go against who they really are. Both Sebastian and Charlotte get clouded by the circumstances that accrue in their individual lives that they do things that goes against who they really are. This story is about forgiveness, redemption, rediscovering yourself and not letting the terrible acts of the past and those who commit those acts destroy any potential of a future, happiness and love.
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.
For several years Lady Charlotte’s life has been hell. Some day she will have to pay for what she’s done. Sebastian Campbell, Earl of Weston, wants to save her. When her secrets come out will his love turn to hate? Not an easy read and confusing until the last few chapters. Unfortunately, not one of my favorites.
Madness and murder
Charlotte in the throes of grief and despair is driven to madness. Her distorted mind leads her to violence and she finds herself in an asylum. When it burns, she escapes. Fate will have it that she stumbles back into the lives of the very people she has wronged, and the one who first wronged her. This is her story of love, redemption, forgiveness, and vengeance.
Absolutely loved the ending. Different from your usual romance, very entertaining and unexpected.
good read
I really enjoyed this book, great entertainment.
Characters were interesting
This story was different from other themes in this era. Respectfully done and with such warmth and understanding. As always Bree Wolf does not disappoint.
I really enjoyed this book, one of love and forgiveness conquering all.
Excellent and very romantic
Ruined and redeemed deals with societal issues that never go away, including rape and physical and emotional abuse that destroys the victims lives. Regency attitudes toward victims were harsh. Against that backdrop, Ruined and Redeemed is based on the premise that a ruined woman beyond all hope is miraculously given a second chance to reclaim her life. The book is inspiring but also hauntingly tragic.
Mills & Boone with a bit of tragedy thrown in. a good read.
Charlotte had much pain in her past and it’s reflected upon often in this story almost to the point of my thoughts telling this author “get on with it already”! So much pain, so many tears at almost every chapter, every paragraph. The pain was very definitely well described the reader could not help but feel her every tear drop, her every teeth-gritting moment again and again. However, we are continually glued to the pages as we do not know the full story of her pain all at once. We are fed little tidbits here and there as we hunger for more. I totally empathized with her husband as his frustrations grew because he did not know what happened to his wife and therefore felt at a loss at what to do. While most of this story is about the pain of women who suffer from mental illness stemming from abuse of one kind or another and, although their abusers may not ever suffer consequences from their behavior, the ending to this story was extremely satisfying. It was well worth all the ‘tears running down her cheeks’, ‘teeth-gritting’, pain written throughout the book. Now I am left with a smile on my face and a happy heart.
From out of darkness, into the light.
Only those who have suffered in darkness at the hands of evil can truly understand displaced hopelessness. Lady Charlotte is just such a one. Dead to her past and with no future, her unexpected introduction to Lord Huntly will not only change her future, it will save her life.
I love character-driven novels, and Bree Wolf is one of the best at tightly weaving together a tragedy-to-happiness story, while bring each richly developed personality to life. The heart wrenching plot of Ruined and Redeemed epitomizes undeserved second chances. While some readers might be critical of Charlotte, I just felt sad for all she had endured. While some readers might think Sebastian a fool for loving Charlotte, I was glad he was given a chance to fully love while at the same time saving her from her past.
All in all, this is a poignant and engrossing tale of both lost and found love, as well as a second chance at happiness.
Content 411: Although there is no swearing or sexual content, however violent sexual and domestic abuse is implied.
This one was very interesting as the heroine was portrayed as the villain in a previous book in the series. I loved getting a deeper look at Charlotte and having her story come full circle. It was very well done. Sebastian is one of my favorite heroes from the series and I loved him and Charlotte together!
A woman who lost her sanity and was locked away both for her safety and that of others, escapes her asylum during a fire and attempts to start a new life. Dealing with quite dark subject matter, Charlotte is lucky in the end to obtain a happy life.
Whilst this can easily be read as a standalone, readers may wish to have read Despised & Desired first in which Charlotte also appears.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Wonderful story unusual characters
I really enjoyed reading this book and getting to know the characters. I would highly recommend this one to others!
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 Sebastain 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 Sebastain 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 victums 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 identy and traumatic past hidden.