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Meilė vikontui
Majoras Džeimsas Rosingtonas, Osterfildo vikontas, išgyveno Vaterlo mūšį, bet ar jis ištvers pobūvių sezoną kaip geidžiamiausias Londono jaunikis? Tikėdamas, kad po mūšio likę randai jį pavertė nevertu meilės, ir norėdamas pabėgti nuo aukštuomenės piršlių, vikontas pasiūlo oficialią santuoką droviai, bet nuovokiai Karensai Betridž. Išsivadavusi nuo žiaurios pamotės ir užgauliojančių įseserių, ji tampa savimi pasitikinčia, geidžiama moterimi. Majoras pažadėjo Karensai patogią santuoką, deja, greitai pats suprato, kad trokšta daugiau...
320 pages, Hardcover
Published February 14, 2023
About the author
Sarah Mallory
213 books118 followersSarah Mallory is the pen name for Melinda Hammond.
Born in Bristol, England, UK, she grew up telling stories. She would make up adventures to relate to her school friends during break times and lunch hours, and she was once caught scribbling a story instead of listening to the French lesson. As a punishment, her teacher made her translate the story into French! She left school at sixteen and worked in offices as varied as stockbrokers, marine engineers, insurance brokers, biscuit manufacturers and even a quarrying company.
She married at nineteen, but continued to work until the birth of her first child. It was at that time that she decided to try her hand at her first love—writing, and shortly after the birth of her daughter she had her first book, Fortune's Lady, published under the pen name of Melinda Hammond. This was quickly followed by two more historical novels, Summer Charade and Autumn Bride, but with the birth of her twin sons the demands of family life meant that writing had to take a backseat for a few years. A compulsive scribbler, she never stopped writing and continued to work on research for her novels, experimenting with contemporary scenarios as well as writing pantomimes for her children's school. In 1989 the family moved to an isolated Pennine farmhouse in West Yorkshire, not far from Brontë country, where the family expanded to include a dog, two gerbils and a dozen chickens. The growing family needed funding and she went back to work full-time. The writing had to be put on hold.
Then, in March 2000, Sarah stepped off a curb and landed in hospital with one ankle broken and one badly sprained. This laid her up on a sofa for twelve weeks and gave her the time she needed to finish a novel. She wrote as Melinda Hammond and Maid of Honour was published the same year. Since then she has never looked back. She's published more than a dozen books under this pen name and has won the Reviewers' Choice Award in 2005 from Singletitles.com for Dance for a Diamond. Her novel Gentlemen in Question was a Historical Novel Society Editors' Choice Title in November 2006. In 2012 her novel The Dangerous Lord Darrington won the Love Story of the Year by the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is now concentrating on writing romantic historical adventures for Mills & Boon.
Born in Bristol, England, UK, she grew up telling stories. She would make up adventures to relate to her school friends during break times and lunch hours, and she was once caught scribbling a story instead of listening to the French lesson. As a punishment, her teacher made her translate the story into French! She left school at sixteen and worked in offices as varied as stockbrokers, marine engineers, insurance brokers, biscuit manufacturers and even a quarrying company.
She married at nineteen, but continued to work until the birth of her first child. It was at that time that she decided to try her hand at her first love—writing, and shortly after the birth of her daughter she had her first book, Fortune's Lady, published under the pen name of Melinda Hammond. This was quickly followed by two more historical novels, Summer Charade and Autumn Bride, but with the birth of her twin sons the demands of family life meant that writing had to take a backseat for a few years. A compulsive scribbler, she never stopped writing and continued to work on research for her novels, experimenting with contemporary scenarios as well as writing pantomimes for her children's school. In 1989 the family moved to an isolated Pennine farmhouse in West Yorkshire, not far from Brontë country, where the family expanded to include a dog, two gerbils and a dozen chickens. The growing family needed funding and she went back to work full-time. The writing had to be put on hold.
Then, in March 2000, Sarah stepped off a curb and landed in hospital with one ankle broken and one badly sprained. This laid her up on a sofa for twelve weeks and gave her the time she needed to finish a novel. She wrote as Melinda Hammond and Maid of Honour was published the same year. Since then she has never looked back. She's published more than a dozen books under this pen name and has won the Reviewers' Choice Award in 2005 from Singletitles.com for Dance for a Diamond. Her novel Gentlemen in Question was a Historical Novel Society Editors' Choice Title in November 2006. In 2012 her novel The Dangerous Lord Darrington won the Love Story of the Year by the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is now concentrating on writing romantic historical adventures for Mills & Boon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 26, 2022
The older I get, the pickier I get about what I read. And while I was initially enjoying this, I found myself putting it down and not picking it up for longer stretches of time. Carenza seemed to have very little personality so I didn’t get the attraction there. And while I appreciated Ross’ PTSD being presented in a real manner, it gave me whiplash at times.
February 21, 2022
*hums*
🎵🎶🎵 ‘So this is love…’
*sighs*
So, before Christmas I was in a bit of a pickle aka reading slump. I (cue Drama Queen moment) was beginning to think I was broken *shudders*.
Nothing was sticking! I wasn’t able to get past a couple of chapters no matter what I tried to read. When, (cue melodramatic dun-dun-dun!) at last, I finally had a lightbulb moment and decided to pick up Sarah Mallory’s new release. Never mind Cinderella, call me Goldilocks, because this book was ‘just right’, and I devoured it over the weekend.
Take one scarred war hero, and now reluctant Viscount, faced with his greatest battle to date: the marriage mart. A marriage of convenience seems the ideal solution, doesn’t it? As they say here in Scotland, “Aye, right!” *snorts* I smell complications!
I adored Ross, suffering both mental and physical scars from war, he finds an unexpected balm in Carenza. *giggles* Well, she might quieten his mind, but she does tend to inflame his *whistles* passions, somewhat… *winks*
Carenza, aka our Cinderella, never expected to marry at all let alone find love. Quiet and unassuming, her ill treatment at the hands of her stepmother and half-sisters had me shaking my fist at my kindle screen in her defence. I felt an affinity with her straight away. You can’t help but love her along with everyone else (stepmonster/half-sisters excepted *boo-hiss*).
Carenza sees to the very heart of Ross and they both blossom together. (I apologise for the flowery phraseology. The emotions caused by the book are to blame… honest!)
Filled with hope, new beginnings, romance, and suspense (my heart was all over the place towards the end! Certain characters were going to get it – my metaphorical horse was saddled and everything!), these two held me rapt to the very end.
*sighs*
🎶🎵🎶 ‘So this is love, Mmmmmm…’
All I needed was a little dose of historical romance goodness to restore my reading equilibrium. Thank you, Sarah.
🎵🎶🎵 ‘So this is love…’
*sighs*
So, before Christmas I was in a bit of a pickle aka reading slump. I (cue Drama Queen moment) was beginning to think I was broken *shudders*.
Nothing was sticking! I wasn’t able to get past a couple of chapters no matter what I tried to read. When, (cue melodramatic dun-dun-dun!) at last, I finally had a lightbulb moment and decided to pick up Sarah Mallory’s new release. Never mind Cinderella, call me Goldilocks, because this book was ‘just right’, and I devoured it over the weekend.
Take one scarred war hero, and now reluctant Viscount, faced with his greatest battle to date: the marriage mart. A marriage of convenience seems the ideal solution, doesn’t it? As they say here in Scotland, “Aye, right!” *snorts* I smell complications!
I adored Ross, suffering both mental and physical scars from war, he finds an unexpected balm in Carenza. *giggles* Well, she might quieten his mind, but she does tend to inflame his *whistles* passions, somewhat… *winks*
Carenza, aka our Cinderella, never expected to marry at all let alone find love. Quiet and unassuming, her ill treatment at the hands of her stepmother and half-sisters had me shaking my fist at my kindle screen in her defence. I felt an affinity with her straight away. You can’t help but love her along with everyone else (stepmonster/half-sisters excepted *boo-hiss*).
Carenza sees to the very heart of Ross and they both blossom together. (I apologise for the flowery phraseology. The emotions caused by the book are to blame… honest!)
Filled with hope, new beginnings, romance, and suspense (my heart was all over the place towards the end! Certain characters were going to get it – my metaphorical horse was saddled and everything!), these two held me rapt to the very end.
*sighs*
🎶🎵🎶 ‘So this is love, Mmmmmm…’
All I needed was a little dose of historical romance goodness to restore my reading equilibrium. Thank you, Sarah.
December 25, 2021
This was a truly sweet and enjoyable marriage of convenience romance short story with likeable characters that also deals lightly with some serious topics like PTSD,body image problems,insecurities and bullying or harrasment of the character by other family members.
January 9, 2022
My goodness, how much do I love this book? 🥰
That is a rhetorical question, no one could possibly answer it. It has it all, romance, sadness, heartbreak, drama, emotion, laughter, great characters and a beautiful feel-good message of loving yourself and others for who they are and not for what society dictates them to be. A principle we should all live by!
I have read so many Sarah Mallory books, she is easily one of my favourite romance authors (which is probably why my bank balance keeps on receding as it does, I blame the buy with one click button, I have no self-control and rapidly growing Sarah Mallory library). She never fails to pull at the heartstrings and take you on an unexpected and dramatic adventure, this book is no different, In fact, it is easily one of my favourite of all Mallory’s books I’ve read, I loved it!
As to be expected from the rather cliched title (which is my only niggle about the book) this is very much a Cinderella story, Carenza; young, beautiful, exotic, shy, put-upon, abused (emotionally and mentally, rather than physically) loyal and kind Carenza has lived her life being down-trodden by her awful stepmother and two half-sisters – who really are awful, honestly, I was hissing like a cat with every mention of them. She is living more like a servant than a devoted daughter, her father bless him, can see what is happening but because of his failing health and the fact that his wife is a voracious and domineering woman he can never get a word in edgeways. But the cunning t’old lad has plans!! 😉
I really felt for Carenza’s father, he is such a likeable gent but he has unfortunately found himself in the middle of a rock and a hard place, I love that he has figured a way out of said rock and a hard place on the arrival of Ross, the old lad is quite the chess player and he is effortlessly manoeuvring his pieces around the board without them even knowing it.
My heart broke for Ross, his fragile mind is always on the edge of pushing him over, he admits to contemplating doing something silly, Sarah Mallory has written Ross’s PTSD with the utmost sensitivity and realism, there was a certain scene at the end that was uncomfortable and incredibly high traumatic emotion but the subject is handled beautifully in the incredibly skilled hands of Ms Mallory.
I must comment on the cover, I liked how on the Mills and Boon cover you can see Ross’s scars more clearly, it’s a nice touch to the cover if you couldn’t see his visible scar’s then I would have been disappointed as they are so much a part of who Ross is. The Ross on the cover in his appearance isn’t how I picture him in my mind (in my mind I was picturing Sean Bean in his Sharpe Days, uniform and all) but again the art department has given us a beautiful cover. 😍
I could see where the story was headed especially with regards to two specific characters, I knew from the moment they popped up acting all innocent and way too good to be true that they were up to something, but the finale had me open-mouthed, I didn’t expect just how villainous this particular character could be. Unlike Carenza who was begging Ross to let this vile creature live, I was urging him on to rip the sod apart – Ross didn’t listen to me, he listened to the wifey!
This has a brilliant cast of characters, the main characters are wonderfully complex, fragile, vulnerable and each having fallen into their own pit of darkness and loneliness. The secondary characters are just as wonderful, even the villains have an appeal to them – even though they have a very panto-esque quality to them, especially Carenza’s step-mother and sisters, I did feel like shouting ‘they’re behind you!’, and I am so wanting Brisco (Ross’s valet/fellow veteran) to have a story of his own.
Carenza and Ross are perfect together, they both must work hard to gain the others trust and affection and they both have their own trials to face before that much longed for happily ever after, but’s worth every, moment and the result is a perfect partnership of lust, romance and friendship.
Cinderella and the Scarred Viscount is gorgeous!! 😍
It’s a beautiful, heartwarming and glorious romance, full of raw emotion and drama. It’s perfectly which leads the reader to be swept up in the dynamic story. It has a wonderful message of accepting people as they are, of learning to love and be happy in your own skin and treating others with kindness.
An absolute must-read for any who love their historical romance with extra heart and gallons of emotion! ❤
That is a rhetorical question, no one could possibly answer it. It has it all, romance, sadness, heartbreak, drama, emotion, laughter, great characters and a beautiful feel-good message of loving yourself and others for who they are and not for what society dictates them to be. A principle we should all live by!
I have read so many Sarah Mallory books, she is easily one of my favourite romance authors (which is probably why my bank balance keeps on receding as it does, I blame the buy with one click button, I have no self-control and rapidly growing Sarah Mallory library). She never fails to pull at the heartstrings and take you on an unexpected and dramatic adventure, this book is no different, In fact, it is easily one of my favourite of all Mallory’s books I’ve read, I loved it!
As to be expected from the rather cliched title (which is my only niggle about the book) this is very much a Cinderella story, Carenza; young, beautiful, exotic, shy, put-upon, abused (emotionally and mentally, rather than physically) loyal and kind Carenza has lived her life being down-trodden by her awful stepmother and two half-sisters – who really are awful, honestly, I was hissing like a cat with every mention of them. She is living more like a servant than a devoted daughter, her father bless him, can see what is happening but because of his failing health and the fact that his wife is a voracious and domineering woman he can never get a word in edgeways. But the cunning t’old lad has plans!! 😉
I really felt for Carenza’s father, he is such a likeable gent but he has unfortunately found himself in the middle of a rock and a hard place, I love that he has figured a way out of said rock and a hard place on the arrival of Ross, the old lad is quite the chess player and he is effortlessly manoeuvring his pieces around the board without them even knowing it.
My heart broke for Ross, his fragile mind is always on the edge of pushing him over, he admits to contemplating doing something silly, Sarah Mallory has written Ross’s PTSD with the utmost sensitivity and realism, there was a certain scene at the end that was uncomfortable and incredibly high traumatic emotion but the subject is handled beautifully in the incredibly skilled hands of Ms Mallory.
I must comment on the cover, I liked how on the Mills and Boon cover you can see Ross’s scars more clearly, it’s a nice touch to the cover if you couldn’t see his visible scar’s then I would have been disappointed as they are so much a part of who Ross is. The Ross on the cover in his appearance isn’t how I picture him in my mind (in my mind I was picturing Sean Bean in his Sharpe Days, uniform and all) but again the art department has given us a beautiful cover. 😍
I could see where the story was headed especially with regards to two specific characters, I knew from the moment they popped up acting all innocent and way too good to be true that they were up to something, but the finale had me open-mouthed, I didn’t expect just how villainous this particular character could be. Unlike Carenza who was begging Ross to let this vile creature live, I was urging him on to rip the sod apart – Ross didn’t listen to me, he listened to the wifey!
This has a brilliant cast of characters, the main characters are wonderfully complex, fragile, vulnerable and each having fallen into their own pit of darkness and loneliness. The secondary characters are just as wonderful, even the villains have an appeal to them – even though they have a very panto-esque quality to them, especially Carenza’s step-mother and sisters, I did feel like shouting ‘they’re behind you!’, and I am so wanting Brisco (Ross’s valet/fellow veteran) to have a story of his own.
Carenza and Ross are perfect together, they both must work hard to gain the others trust and affection and they both have their own trials to face before that much longed for happily ever after, but’s worth every, moment and the result is a perfect partnership of lust, romance and friendship.
Cinderella and the Scarred Viscount is gorgeous!! 😍
It’s a beautiful, heartwarming and glorious romance, full of raw emotion and drama. It’s perfectly which leads the reader to be swept up in the dynamic story. It has a wonderful message of accepting people as they are, of learning to love and be happy in your own skin and treating others with kindness.
An absolute must-read for any who love their historical romance with extra heart and gallons of emotion! ❤
December 6, 2021
Scarred inside and out by the war, James “Ross” Rossington, Viscount Austerfield, is sure that he will never marry, but when his female relatives gang up on him, he grudgingly attends the season to hunt for a bride and becomes even more convinced that matrimony is not for him, but makes the mistake of telling his sister that the Bettridge girls have caught his eye. His sister wastes no time alerting Lady Bettridge and Ross finds himself agreeing to visit their country home. No sooner has he arrived than he is determined to leave, but then he meets the eldest sister, Carenza.
Carenza Bettridge is Lord Bettridge’s daughter from his beloved first wife and she carries her mother’s dark beauty, causing her to be reviled by her step-mother and half-sisters, who treat her like a servant. Her father is ill and Carenza worries for his health, so she doesn’t burden him with her troubles, but he knows, and that causes him to suggest that Ross marry her. An idea that Ross is against until he sees that sweet Carenza will be forsaken the moment her father dies, so he proposes a marriage in name only, one that offers her protection and that will get his relatives to leave him alone – it is a win-win, as long as Careneza remembers that a friendship is all it will ever be.
This was a well-written, nicely paced story with very likable characters who both suffer from insecurities and the belief that they are not good enough for the other and that are fed by people who are jealous of them. The book features a marriage of convenience trope, a hero with PSTD and physical scars and heroine with a heart of gold who has been led to believe she is unworthy of love and respect, some well-meaning and some not-so well-meaning relatives, some mild loves scenes, and a bit of drama and a HEA complete with an epilogue. This was my first time reading this author, but it will not be my last, I enjoyed this story and am happy to recommend it.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
Carenza Bettridge is Lord Bettridge’s daughter from his beloved first wife and she carries her mother’s dark beauty, causing her to be reviled by her step-mother and half-sisters, who treat her like a servant. Her father is ill and Carenza worries for his health, so she doesn’t burden him with her troubles, but he knows, and that causes him to suggest that Ross marry her. An idea that Ross is against until he sees that sweet Carenza will be forsaken the moment her father dies, so he proposes a marriage in name only, one that offers her protection and that will get his relatives to leave him alone – it is a win-win, as long as Careneza remembers that a friendship is all it will ever be.
This was a well-written, nicely paced story with very likable characters who both suffer from insecurities and the belief that they are not good enough for the other and that are fed by people who are jealous of them. The book features a marriage of convenience trope, a hero with PSTD and physical scars and heroine with a heart of gold who has been led to believe she is unworthy of love and respect, some well-meaning and some not-so well-meaning relatives, some mild loves scenes, and a bit of drama and a HEA complete with an epilogue. This was my first time reading this author, but it will not be my last, I enjoyed this story and am happy to recommend it.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
February 21, 2024
Usually Harlequin writers are some of the best, but I just couldn't gel with this one. Plus, it had the whole "I'm so hideously scared and my cousin keeps pointing it out (bc he's my heir) so I'll blow my brains out from the disgrace of being so ugly from my honorably attained scars of defending my country from an invading tyrant that you can't possibly love me" Huh? Borrowed, no harm no foul, but this one I didn't dnf, so it's closer to 2 stars on frustration alone.
August 4, 2022
Een geweldig mooi en goed geschreven verhaal waarin aantrekkingskracht en waardering voor elkaar langzaam uitgroeit tot liefde . Gelukkig nu eens geen verhaal waar de man en vrouw constant "verhitte " gedachten over elkaar hebben en waarmee half het boek gevuld wordt .
November 26, 2021
Lovely Marriage of Convenience!
My first read from this author and I will surely be checking out more of her backlist! The Cinderella trope fits perfectly with this story. We have a half instead of a stepsister who is not treated well by her half-siblings and stepmother. Her father is sick and unaware at first of how she's being treated. When a handsome, but scarred physically and emotionally from the war, Viscount arrives their lives are never the same.
I loved that this was a romance that not only showed PTSD in a real way but also emphasized the importance of inner beauty. Both Carenza and Ross felt they were too outwardly unattractive and married thinking no other prospects would be available for marriage. From genuine friendship came a great romance and I lived for the flirtatious and sweet moments between the two.
Recommended read for Regency fans and fans of the Cinderella trope!
My first read from this author and I will surely be checking out more of her backlist! The Cinderella trope fits perfectly with this story. We have a half instead of a stepsister who is not treated well by her half-siblings and stepmother. Her father is sick and unaware at first of how she's being treated. When a handsome, but scarred physically and emotionally from the war, Viscount arrives their lives are never the same.
I loved that this was a romance that not only showed PTSD in a real way but also emphasized the importance of inner beauty. Both Carenza and Ross felt they were too outwardly unattractive and married thinking no other prospects would be available for marriage. From genuine friendship came a great romance and I lived for the flirtatious and sweet moments between the two.
Recommended read for Regency fans and fans of the Cinderella trope!
July 19, 2022
3.5
"Il cuore di Carenza si gonfiò, e il respiro le si bloccò in gola quando sollevò lo sguardo su Ross. La parte sinistra della sua faccia era in ombra ma, anche se la luce delle candele avesse illuminato direttamente le cicatrici, non le avrebbe notate. Non vedeva altro che il caldo sorriso nei suoi occhi.
Questo è il posto cui appartengo, si disse"
Come il titolo originale rende ben palese, l'autrice ha deciso di ispirarsi (almeno per la condizione iniziale di Carenza... che nome >.<) alla favola di Cenerentola, con la matrigna crudele e le sorellastre vanesie, mentre la povera protagonista, ormai rassegnata a rimanere zitella, si occupa del padre malato e della casa con amorevole sollecitudine (e alta tolleranza alle umiliazioni quotidiane). Sebbene Ross sia testimone diretto della sua esistenza oggettivamente poco felice, ci mette una quantità di tempo scandalosa a decidere di farsi avanti come principe azzurro (ben poco lusinghiero XD) e ovviamente l'inizio di questo matrimonio di convenienza non è dei più felici, complicati anche (e soprattutto) dalla PTSD del povero Ross, che non solo è sfregiato fisicamente ma ha anche i ricordi di guerra che lo tengono sempre vigile e depresso. Va da sé che, nonostante un'allegra sorella impicciona, due amici solleciti e una nuova moglie che di tanto in tanto ha sprazzi di coraggio e risolutezza che la fanno amare, l'atmosfera generale non è delle più allegre e verso la metà ho cominciato a risentirne... per fortuna le poche pagine e i momenti di felicità coniugale mi hanno tirato su dall'abisso e fatto finire la lettura velocemente e con relativa soddisfazione XD
"Il cuore di Carenza si gonfiò, e il respiro le si bloccò in gola quando sollevò lo sguardo su Ross. La parte sinistra della sua faccia era in ombra ma, anche se la luce delle candele avesse illuminato direttamente le cicatrici, non le avrebbe notate. Non vedeva altro che il caldo sorriso nei suoi occhi.
Questo è il posto cui appartengo, si disse"
Come il titolo originale rende ben palese, l'autrice ha deciso di ispirarsi (almeno per la condizione iniziale di Carenza... che nome >.<) alla favola di Cenerentola, con la matrigna crudele e le sorellastre vanesie, mentre la povera protagonista, ormai rassegnata a rimanere zitella, si occupa del padre malato e della casa con amorevole sollecitudine (e alta tolleranza alle umiliazioni quotidiane). Sebbene Ross sia testimone diretto della sua esistenza oggettivamente poco felice, ci mette una quantità di tempo scandalosa a decidere di farsi avanti come principe azzurro (ben poco lusinghiero XD) e ovviamente l'inizio di questo matrimonio di convenienza non è dei più felici, complicati anche (e soprattutto) dalla PTSD del povero Ross, che non solo è sfregiato fisicamente ma ha anche i ricordi di guerra che lo tengono sempre vigile e depresso. Va da sé che, nonostante un'allegra sorella impicciona, due amici solleciti e una nuova moglie che di tanto in tanto ha sprazzi di coraggio e risolutezza che la fanno amare, l'atmosfera generale non è delle più allegre e verso la metà ho cominciato a risentirne... per fortuna le poche pagine e i momenti di felicità coniugale mi hanno tirato su dall'abisso e fatto finire la lettura velocemente e con relativa soddisfazione XD
reluctant-dnf
October 1, 2023DNF at 53% - Oct 1, 2023
I haven’t picked up the book in 9 days and kind of lost interest. The beginning was sweet but the pause was detrimental to the reading experience for me. May come back to this but no real current desire to finish this. I am therefore not going to continue and end up not liking the book.
I will not rate this despite reaching the halfway point as my current impression is one of boredom and objectively the book wasn’t bad whole I was reading it.
I haven’t picked up the book in 9 days and kind of lost interest. The beginning was sweet but the pause was detrimental to the reading experience for me. May come back to this but no real current desire to finish this. I am therefore not going to continue and end up not liking the book.
I will not rate this despite reaching the halfway point as my current impression is one of boredom and objectively the book wasn’t bad whole I was reading it.
December 14, 2023
Tam tikra Pelenės istorijos variacija. Tėtis dar gyvas, bet silpnos sveikatos, tad jo mylima dukrelė yra engiama pamotės ir įseserių. Ir netikėtai pasirodo princas, gražus, bet randuotas, ir pamotės ir įseserių vertinamas tik dėl titulo, turtų ir galimybės vienai iš dukrų ištekėti. Ir toliau rutuliojasi istorija, pažintis, simpatija ir vestuvių idėja. Ir tęsiasi toliau, pasakoja iššūkius, su kuriais susiduria abu, nutylėtą augančią aistrą ir meilę. Ir netikėti pavojai. Malonus skaitinys.
April 4, 2022
Terrific book. The story opens as Ross, a scarred survivor of Waterloo gives in to the pressure to look for a wife during the Season. As the second son, Ross never expected to become the viscount, but the death of his brother made it unavoidable. While his sister and aunt push him to find a wife, Ross endures being stared at, hearing the whispers about his "hideousness," and still be the target of every matchmaking mama in the ton. He finally has enough, decides he won't marry at all, but still finds himself stuck with a visit to the home of two simpering debutantes. His arrival at the Bettridge home is such a terrible experience that he plans to leave the next morning - until he meets Carenza.
Carenza is the daughter of her father's beloved first wife and is hated by her stepmother and two half-sisters. Like Cinderella, she is bullied and belittled by them and treated more as a servant than a sister. Carenza endures it for the sake of her father, whose frail health is affected by the strife in the house. The upcoming visit of a wife-seeking viscount has her stepmother and her daughters in a tizzy and taking their stress out on Carenza.
I felt so bad for Ross when he arrived at the Bettridge's home. The intensity of the attention he received made him very uncomfortable. When he meets Carenza, she initially doesn't make much of an impression on him, other than him being disgusted with the way she is treated. When she makes it plain that she plans to stay away from him, he first believes it's because of his scars. He's surprised when she tells him the scars don't matter; it's because of her fears for her father's health. Ross finds himself intrigued by the quiet and practical young woman and quickly feels comfortable in her company. He agrees to stay for his planned visit to keep her from being blamed for his departure. I laughed out loud at his efforts to avoid the stepmother's machinations and enjoyed seeing him bond with Carenza's father.
That bond creates an unexpected dilemma when Carenza's father suggests that Ross consider marrying her. He worries about what will happen to Carenza when he dies and would like to see her settled in a suitable marriage. While Ross promises to think about it, he hesitates to tie her to a "monster" like him. But over the days he is there, Ross enjoys her company, forthright speech, and kindness. He is also increasingly disturbed by the way the other women treat her. When he proposes a marriage of convenience, she accepts. And boy did I enjoy the reactions of the others!
I loved seeing the relationship between Ross and Carenza develop. Both of them have deep-seated insecurities thanks to circumstances beyond their control. Carenza has been emotionally abused for years, her stepmother and half-sisters taking every opportunity to belittle her looks, shape, size, and anything else they can come up with. Despite it all, Carenza is a loving and kind-hearted woman who makes the best of it. I ached for Ross. His PTSD keeps him constantly on edge, unable to relax for fear of the flashbacks and nightmares he endures. It doesn't help that a snake-in-the-grass who is close to him works hard to keep the horrors fresh in Ross's mind.
Once they are at Ross's home of Auster, away from the pressures each has endured, Ross and Carenza have the chance to get to know each other. I loved how Carenza sees past Ross's scars to the man he is inside. She likes him and wants to help him, even when he tries to push her away. I enjoyed the scene with the balm she makes and that she has no problem standing up to him when he's being a jerk. She is also understanding and compassionate when he needs it. Ross is stunned at how Carenza blossoms once away from her tormentors. He sees her beauty and does what he can to convince her of it. He quickly finds himself regretting his insistence on a platonic marriage as he becomes more attracted to her by the day. Luckily for Ross, Carenza is a woman who knows how to go after what she wants, and she wants him just as much.
There were two characters in the latter part of the book that I knew were trouble from the start. At first, I thought the one was simply insensitive, but the more I saw him, the more I thought he had ulterior motives. I was sure of it when he made a suggestion that I knew would go badly for Ross and wanted to yell at Carenza to trust her instincts. The final confrontation was great, though I think Carenza stopped Ross too soon. The second was a troublemaker of a different sort, though in league with the first one. I was suspicious of the circumstances of arrival and constant popping up in the wrong places. I loved seeing both get what was coming to them.
I loved the ending and seeing how the actions of the troublemakers ended up having the opposite effect on Ross. It finally brought everything out in the open and gave Ross the chance to start healing. It was followed by a terrific epilogue set several years later. I loved seeing what has changed and what has stayed the same.
I also loved the cover. The scars on Ross's face are visible, something that isn't usually shown. I loved that Carenza is shown as the short, curvy woman that is described in the book instead of a generic Regency heroine. The art department excelled on this one.
Carenza is the daughter of her father's beloved first wife and is hated by her stepmother and two half-sisters. Like Cinderella, she is bullied and belittled by them and treated more as a servant than a sister. Carenza endures it for the sake of her father, whose frail health is affected by the strife in the house. The upcoming visit of a wife-seeking viscount has her stepmother and her daughters in a tizzy and taking their stress out on Carenza.
I felt so bad for Ross when he arrived at the Bettridge's home. The intensity of the attention he received made him very uncomfortable. When he meets Carenza, she initially doesn't make much of an impression on him, other than him being disgusted with the way she is treated. When she makes it plain that she plans to stay away from him, he first believes it's because of his scars. He's surprised when she tells him the scars don't matter; it's because of her fears for her father's health. Ross finds himself intrigued by the quiet and practical young woman and quickly feels comfortable in her company. He agrees to stay for his planned visit to keep her from being blamed for his departure. I laughed out loud at his efforts to avoid the stepmother's machinations and enjoyed seeing him bond with Carenza's father.
That bond creates an unexpected dilemma when Carenza's father suggests that Ross consider marrying her. He worries about what will happen to Carenza when he dies and would like to see her settled in a suitable marriage. While Ross promises to think about it, he hesitates to tie her to a "monster" like him. But over the days he is there, Ross enjoys her company, forthright speech, and kindness. He is also increasingly disturbed by the way the other women treat her. When he proposes a marriage of convenience, she accepts. And boy did I enjoy the reactions of the others!
I loved seeing the relationship between Ross and Carenza develop. Both of them have deep-seated insecurities thanks to circumstances beyond their control. Carenza has been emotionally abused for years, her stepmother and half-sisters taking every opportunity to belittle her looks, shape, size, and anything else they can come up with. Despite it all, Carenza is a loving and kind-hearted woman who makes the best of it. I ached for Ross. His PTSD keeps him constantly on edge, unable to relax for fear of the flashbacks and nightmares he endures. It doesn't help that a snake-in-the-grass who is close to him works hard to keep the horrors fresh in Ross's mind.
Once they are at Ross's home of Auster, away from the pressures each has endured, Ross and Carenza have the chance to get to know each other. I loved how Carenza sees past Ross's scars to the man he is inside. She likes him and wants to help him, even when he tries to push her away. I enjoyed the scene with the balm she makes and that she has no problem standing up to him when he's being a jerk. She is also understanding and compassionate when he needs it. Ross is stunned at how Carenza blossoms once away from her tormentors. He sees her beauty and does what he can to convince her of it. He quickly finds himself regretting his insistence on a platonic marriage as he becomes more attracted to her by the day. Luckily for Ross, Carenza is a woman who knows how to go after what she wants, and she wants him just as much.
There were two characters in the latter part of the book that I knew were trouble from the start. At first, I thought the one was simply insensitive, but the more I saw him, the more I thought he had ulterior motives. I was sure of it when he made a suggestion that I knew would go badly for Ross and wanted to yell at Carenza to trust her instincts. The final confrontation was great, though I think Carenza stopped Ross too soon. The second was a troublemaker of a different sort, though in league with the first one. I was suspicious of the circumstances of arrival and constant popping up in the wrong places. I loved seeing both get what was coming to them.
I loved the ending and seeing how the actions of the troublemakers ended up having the opposite effect on Ross. It finally brought everything out in the open and gave Ross the chance to start healing. It was followed by a terrific epilogue set several years later. I loved seeing what has changed and what has stayed the same.
I also loved the cover. The scars on Ross's face are visible, something that isn't usually shown. I loved that Carenza is shown as the short, curvy woman that is described in the book instead of a generic Regency heroine. The art department excelled on this one.
March 18, 2022
Great story about two people who each have lived a difficult life. One because of war and the other because of family.
I loved how in the end they say they’re not perfect but are perfect for each other. 🥰🥰 Aww
I loved how in the end they say they’re not perfect but are perfect for each other. 🥰🥰 Aww
December 9, 2021
My review of Cinderella and the Scarred Viscount is on my blog.
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
November 26, 2021
Usually enjoy reading this author's books, and Ross and Carenza's story is no different. Shunned older half sibling wins her viscount, defeats and stepmother and half sisters, and goes on to win hearts of her new husband and family, avoiding potential trouble deftly.
Very easy to read style of writing, makes her books fun to read. 4.7*
Very easy to read style of writing, makes her books fun to read. 4.7*
November 23, 2021
Absolutely loved this book. Not my usual genre of book but I couldn’t wait to pick it up every evening and immerse myself in it.
January 10, 2022
Ross is being pressured to marry by the women in his family, but has no desire to. Carenza is a spinster, with an insecure future. A marriage of convenience seems to be the answer.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Carenza is quite content with her life and has no plans to marry. She lives at her father's country estate, looking after the house, and her father, as his health deteriorates.
The only shadow is her stepmother and half-sisters. They treat Carenza like a servant, and blame her for everything wrong in their lives.
Ross survived the battle that wiped out most of his men, but he has been left heavily scarred. But he is an unmarried Viscount and the Ton (and his family) won't leave him alone. Not a fan of society,
Ross doesn't like the way people look at him - in disgust.
He reluctantly visits two unmarried young ladies, in an attempt to quiet everyone. But once in their home, he strikes up a friendship with their dowdy half-sister.
I liked the growing friendship between Ross and Carenza, it was sweet and natural.
Oddly, I also liked how Carenza's family are portrayed - it starts with them not seeming too bad, and gets worse during Ross' stay with them, until you realise how foul they actually are.
I was a little disappointed that they featured only for the first part. There is a similar person with wicked intentions later on, but it wasn't quite as entertaining as the girls; and I found the plot to be very predictable.
The writing and storyline were OK. I wasn't enraptured, and I personally thought it had flashes of modernity throughout the Georgian setting.
Carenza was a nice enough character, but she had no agency of her own. There were some frustrating moments when she changes her mind for no apparent reason.
Like when we're told the only thing Carenza had heard about sex was how painful and unpleasant it was. Jumping to her leading the way without any hint of uncertainty in what she is doing.
(And the other thing at the party - I can't believe she's that much of a numpty; or that Ross' sister is so painfully ignorant when she's such a busy-body.)
Overall, this was 2.5 out of 5 for me.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Carenza is quite content with her life and has no plans to marry. She lives at her father's country estate, looking after the house, and her father, as his health deteriorates.
The only shadow is her stepmother and half-sisters. They treat Carenza like a servant, and blame her for everything wrong in their lives.
Ross survived the battle that wiped out most of his men, but he has been left heavily scarred. But he is an unmarried Viscount and the Ton (and his family) won't leave him alone. Not a fan of society,
Ross doesn't like the way people look at him - in disgust.
He reluctantly visits two unmarried young ladies, in an attempt to quiet everyone. But once in their home, he strikes up a friendship with their dowdy half-sister.
I liked the growing friendship between Ross and Carenza, it was sweet and natural.
Oddly, I also liked how Carenza's family are portrayed - it starts with them not seeming too bad, and gets worse during Ross' stay with them, until you realise how foul they actually are.
I was a little disappointed that they featured only for the first part. There is a similar person with wicked intentions later on, but it wasn't quite as entertaining as the girls; and I found the plot to be very predictable.
The writing and storyline were OK. I wasn't enraptured, and I personally thought it had flashes of modernity throughout the Georgian setting.
Carenza was a nice enough character, but she had no agency of her own. There were some frustrating moments when she changes her mind for no apparent reason.
Like when we're told the only thing Carenza had heard about sex was how painful and unpleasant it was. Jumping to her leading the way without any hint of uncertainty in what she is doing.
(And the other thing at the party - I can't believe she's that much of a numpty; or that Ross' sister is so painfully ignorant when she's such a busy-body.)
Overall, this was 2.5 out of 5 for me.
February 22, 2022
Award-winning author Sarah Mallory never fails to pen exquisitely crafted Regency romances that hold readers spellbound from start to finish and she is on sparkling form yet again with her latest novel, Cinderella and the Scarred Viscount.
Carenza Bettridge is a young woman who would love nothing more than to escape her stepmother and half sisters’ cruel bullying. Breaking free and unshackling herself from their barbed comments, petty sniping and heartless insults is Carenza’s dearest wish – and it looks like Major James Rossington, Viscount Austerfield, could be the man who will offer her this possibility when he proposes a marriage of convenience to her! Carenza is completely flabbergasted and shocked that one of the Ton’s most eligible bachelors asked for her hand in marriage. Although she is well aware that theirs is a convenient arrangement, she cannot wait to leave her stepmother’s house once and for all. However, she soon learns that being the new Viscountness Austerfield brings with it its own challenges and problems…
Major James Rossington is in need of a wife, but convinced that his battle scars from Waterloo render him unlovable, he decides to find a bride on his own terms. Desperate to escape the mind-numbing banality of the season and avaricious match-making mamas, Ross thinks that marriage to shy and sensible Carenza Bettridge would be the answer to all of his prayers. Ross makes it clear from the off that his heart is off-limits, but will he stick to his resolve when he realises that far from a timid wallflower his new wife is an absolute gem who has effortlessly managed to breach the impenetrable defenses he has built around himself?
Ross had wanted a wife in name only, but now that he has fallen head over heels in love with Carenza, will he find the courage to face his demons and tell his wife how he really feels? Or will this fearless soldier end up letting his pride and insecurities get in the way of his happiness?
Sarah Mallory’s Cinderella and the Scarred Viscount is Regency romance at its most charming and dazzling. A delightful marriage of convenience historical with a saturnine and brooding hero who is positively swoon-worthy, a wonderful heroine who is smart, kind-hearted and intelligent, terrific period detail and searing emotional intensity, Cinderella and the Scarred Viscount is an enchanting tale that will keep readers gripped throughout.
A tender, touching and wholly satisfying historical romance, Cinderella and the Scarred Viscount is another Sarah Mallory novel heading straight for my keeper shelf.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Carenza Bettridge is a young woman who would love nothing more than to escape her stepmother and half sisters’ cruel bullying. Breaking free and unshackling herself from their barbed comments, petty sniping and heartless insults is Carenza’s dearest wish – and it looks like Major James Rossington, Viscount Austerfield, could be the man who will offer her this possibility when he proposes a marriage of convenience to her! Carenza is completely flabbergasted and shocked that one of the Ton’s most eligible bachelors asked for her hand in marriage. Although she is well aware that theirs is a convenient arrangement, she cannot wait to leave her stepmother’s house once and for all. However, she soon learns that being the new Viscountness Austerfield brings with it its own challenges and problems…
Major James Rossington is in need of a wife, but convinced that his battle scars from Waterloo render him unlovable, he decides to find a bride on his own terms. Desperate to escape the mind-numbing banality of the season and avaricious match-making mamas, Ross thinks that marriage to shy and sensible Carenza Bettridge would be the answer to all of his prayers. Ross makes it clear from the off that his heart is off-limits, but will he stick to his resolve when he realises that far from a timid wallflower his new wife is an absolute gem who has effortlessly managed to breach the impenetrable defenses he has built around himself?
Ross had wanted a wife in name only, but now that he has fallen head over heels in love with Carenza, will he find the courage to face his demons and tell his wife how he really feels? Or will this fearless soldier end up letting his pride and insecurities get in the way of his happiness?
Sarah Mallory’s Cinderella and the Scarred Viscount is Regency romance at its most charming and dazzling. A delightful marriage of convenience historical with a saturnine and brooding hero who is positively swoon-worthy, a wonderful heroine who is smart, kind-hearted and intelligent, terrific period detail and searing emotional intensity, Cinderella and the Scarred Viscount is an enchanting tale that will keep readers gripped throughout.
A tender, touching and wholly satisfying historical romance, Cinderella and the Scarred Viscount is another Sarah Mallory novel heading straight for my keeper shelf.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 2, 2022
There is simply nothing new in this book, and far too many authors have done it better. I'm not against well-worn formulas when written well. One thing that struck me over and over again is that the prose is fine, but the dialogue is often awkward and overly contrived to the point of being stilted.
These characters need more depth and steady growth to them. Instead, at 2/3 of the way through the book there is no discernible difference in them from the first scenes. Considering that this is a largely character-driven story, it makes the book seem stagnant at times.
Since this is my first book by this author, I do plan to try another. I can see the unrealized potential, and perhaps a story not so heavily dependent on worn out tropes will be better.
These characters need more depth and steady growth to them. Instead, at 2/3 of the way through the book there is no discernible difference in them from the first scenes. Considering that this is a largely character-driven story, it makes the book seem stagnant at times.
Since this is my first book by this author, I do plan to try another. I can see the unrealized potential, and perhaps a story not so heavily dependent on worn out tropes will be better.
December 5, 2021
This is the story of Ross and Carenza, which is told over the course of 22 Chapters (+Epilogue). This story will grab readers attention from the very beginning. They will want to know more about the characters as well as how these two very different people end up married.
Ross is a very interesting character and as the story progress the reader watches as Ross shows his battle scars. With the amount of detail that the Author put into the Battle Scars and what Ross deals with you can tell a lot of research was done.
Carenza is the definition of a Cinderella character from her looks to her family. What makes her stand out from other Cinderella characters is that not all her issues are solved when she meets the Prince or in this case Viscount. Carenza is a very strong character and readers will see this long before the character does.
Overall this story is filled to the brim with characters that readers will either love completely or dislike. I know this reader found her favourites. This book is a brilliant slow burn romance that readers will adore, especially if you love Cinderella stories.
Ross is a very interesting character and as the story progress the reader watches as Ross shows his battle scars. With the amount of detail that the Author put into the Battle Scars and what Ross deals with you can tell a lot of research was done.
Carenza is the definition of a Cinderella character from her looks to her family. What makes her stand out from other Cinderella characters is that not all her issues are solved when she meets the Prince or in this case Viscount. Carenza is a very strong character and readers will see this long before the character does.
Overall this story is filled to the brim with characters that readers will either love completely or dislike. I know this reader found her favourites. This book is a brilliant slow burn romance that readers will adore, especially if you love Cinderella stories.
April 25, 2022
2 Stars
This book was basic. The writing was on the simplistic side. Lots of troupes: spinster, scarred and tortured hero, class differences, and of course the title themed storybook based storyline (I think it had a little beauty and the beast going on as well). The villains were pretty much all bad. With regard to the stepmother and half sisters and reason was given for their nastiness but the level of viciousness on their part did not justify it or explain it to a satisfactory level at all.
And with regard to a major plot line later (good ole cousin), both H/h acceptance of repeated snide and rude remarks just did not make sense. The H/h usually, reasonably intelligent people, were totally clueless regarding obvious threats.
The writing did not hold me, though I stuck it out for a bit, then skipped read the remainder of the book. This is a new to me author but I don’t currently have any plans to read anything else.
Content:
Sex: Not clean. Contains a sex scene (I think was two but one for sure.)
Violence: Not really (one brief altercation with heroine and one of her half-sisters.
Language: None that I recall.
This book was basic. The writing was on the simplistic side. Lots of troupes: spinster, scarred and tortured hero, class differences, and of course the title themed storybook based storyline (I think it had a little beauty and the beast going on as well). The villains were pretty much all bad. With regard to the stepmother and half sisters and reason was given for their nastiness but the level of viciousness on their part did not justify it or explain it to a satisfactory level at all.
And with regard to a major plot line later (good ole cousin), both H/h acceptance of repeated snide and rude remarks just did not make sense. The H/h usually, reasonably intelligent people, were totally clueless regarding obvious threats.
The writing did not hold me, though I stuck it out for a bit, then skipped read the remainder of the book. This is a new to me author but I don’t currently have any plans to read anything else.
Content:
Sex: Not clean. Contains a sex scene (I think was two but one for sure.)
Violence: Not really (one brief altercation with heroine and one of her half-sisters.
Language: None that I recall.
January 23, 2023
I almost DNF'd this at about 75% because I just wanted the story to move on. I found each of the main characters to be exasperating. Ross thinks he is a hideous beast because of the physical & mental scars he received as a soldier at Waterloo. Carenza thinks she is ugly because her ridiculous stepmother and stepsisters have bullied and terrorized her. And these two points are just repeated over and over until you want to slam your head into a wall.
Nothing in this book is surprising. You can see the resolution of each plot point from miles away. Of course Ross is Of course, Amos is a .
I did finish the book. I am usually pretty liberal with my ratings, but this just did not do it for me.
Nothing in this book is surprising. You can see the resolution of each plot point from miles away. Of course Ross is Of course, Amos is a .
I did finish the book. I am usually pretty liberal with my ratings, but this just did not do it for me.
March 18, 2026
This book started strong, but then it started to fade slowly. Towards the end, I wonder if I could finish it before the main characters get together. Then, bam! plot twist, and we are at the epilogue.
December 4, 2021
🪄 Cinderella and the Scarred Viscount 🪄
✒️ Sarah Mallory
https://www.facebook.com/sarahmallory...
Release Date 11/25/2021-12/07/2021
Publisher Mills&Boon Historical / Harlequin Historical
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096T9Q35K/...
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096Y173XG/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
An imperfect proposal…But a perfect match?
Major James Rossington, Viscount Austerfield, survived Waterloo, but can he survive the season as London’s most eligible bachelor? Convinced his battle scars make him unlovable, and to escape society’s matchmakers, Ross proposes a wedding in name only to shy, sensible Carenza Bettridge. Liberated from her cruel stepmother and bullying half sisters, she blossoms into a confident, altogether desirable woman. He promised Carenza a convenient marriage but inconveniently finds himself wanting more…
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will his inside and out wounds always stand between them …
This is my first read by the author, so I was much happy to have finally the opportunity (and time) to read her.
Ross never expected nor wished to become the viscount, it was his brother’s duty.
So when he came back wounded and suffered from post traumatic stress disorder, being thrown in his brother’s shoes could have helped him heal if not for the viper in his midst who pours venom and poison in his ears.
Carenza quite easily became her stepfamily doormat, letting them take advantage of her, being bullied and used as an unpaid servant, all under the watchful eyes of a father who wrongly believed by not intervening he was doing the right choice.
Now, years later, Carenza I had been refused everything a young debutante should have had, no coming out, no fine gowns, only dust and mop for the forgotten girl.
I thought it would be a crossover between Cinderella and Beauty&Beast but in fact, there is a second Cinderella in this story, as Ross, if he is not put to task by his snaky bully playing the clumsy talker, he is instead slowly brainwashed to believe he does not deserve happiness.
Both have been repeatedly told they were plain for Carenza and hideous for Ross, so much they bend their back and accept every critics, snarls and insults thrown at them. Why it took them so much time to raise their head, to finally stand their ground instead of passively digest all the abuses laid at their feet. It is only under the watchful eyes of one another that they slowly rebuilt their confidence, finding reassurance in the other’s gaze.
4.5 stars for this lovely tale of two people who will need a lot of healing before being able to hand out their heart.
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen sweet lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by Rachel’s Random Ressources, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/elodiesread...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
✒️ Sarah Mallory
https://www.facebook.com/sarahmallory...
Release Date 11/25/2021-12/07/2021
Publisher Mills&Boon Historical / Harlequin Historical
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096T9Q35K/...
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096Y173XG/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
An imperfect proposal…But a perfect match?
Major James Rossington, Viscount Austerfield, survived Waterloo, but can he survive the season as London’s most eligible bachelor? Convinced his battle scars make him unlovable, and to escape society’s matchmakers, Ross proposes a wedding in name only to shy, sensible Carenza Bettridge. Liberated from her cruel stepmother and bullying half sisters, she blossoms into a confident, altogether desirable woman. He promised Carenza a convenient marriage but inconveniently finds himself wanting more…
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will his inside and out wounds always stand between them …
This is my first read by the author, so I was much happy to have finally the opportunity (and time) to read her.
Ross never expected nor wished to become the viscount, it was his brother’s duty.
So when he came back wounded and suffered from post traumatic stress disorder, being thrown in his brother’s shoes could have helped him heal if not for the viper in his midst who pours venom and poison in his ears.
Carenza quite easily became her stepfamily doormat, letting them take advantage of her, being bullied and used as an unpaid servant, all under the watchful eyes of a father who wrongly believed by not intervening he was doing the right choice.
Now, years later, Carenza I had been refused everything a young debutante should have had, no coming out, no fine gowns, only dust and mop for the forgotten girl.
I thought it would be a crossover between Cinderella and Beauty&Beast but in fact, there is a second Cinderella in this story, as Ross, if he is not put to task by his snaky bully playing the clumsy talker, he is instead slowly brainwashed to believe he does not deserve happiness.
Both have been repeatedly told they were plain for Carenza and hideous for Ross, so much they bend their back and accept every critics, snarls and insults thrown at them. Why it took them so much time to raise their head, to finally stand their ground instead of passively digest all the abuses laid at their feet. It is only under the watchful eyes of one another that they slowly rebuilt their confidence, finding reassurance in the other’s gaze.
4.5 stars for this lovely tale of two people who will need a lot of healing before being able to hand out their heart.
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen sweet lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by Rachel’s Random Ressources, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/elodiesread...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
December 8, 2021
Welcome to my blog tour spot for Cinderella and the Scarred Viscount by Sarah Mallory hosted by Rachel's Random Resources. This is my first Mallory book which is a delightful spin on the Cinderella fairy tale filled with an evil stepmother, evil stepsisters, and a gruff and scarred Viscount set to fall for the beautiful, kind, and bullied "old maid".
Carenza Bettridge has sacrificed her life for her ill father by taking care of him in a divided household. Carenza's selfish stepmother and stepsisters have nothing to do with the running of the house. That all falls on Carenza's shoulders as she is treated like a servant. Her father meant well, but he sees the mistake he made with his eldest daughter when the very eligible Major James "Ross" Rossington, Viscount Austerfield comes to visit.
Ross is in the uncomfortable and unfavorable position of looking for a wife. As he gives in to his sister and aunt's unwavering pressure to find a suitable woman for his partner in life, he finds himself visiting the Bettridge estate. A household filled with two insipid Bettridge sisters and a mother who force themselves to tolerate his scarred face to become a Viscountess. After changing his mind and being determined to leave, he meets an intriguing third sister who is treated abominably by the women, and who prefers to stay away from him. She is the first woman to make him feel comfortable in her presence. Perhaps her father's offer of a marriage of convenience isn't so bad after all.
Carenza is a kind and generous person who finds herself undeserving of Ross due to the constant criticism of her stepmother and stepsisters. But with some assurances from her father that he will be taken care of without her, she agrees to Ross's unconventional proposal. Ross is scarred not only on the outside but the inside as well. As a survivor of Waterloo, he has nightmares and PTSD-related episodes that convince him he is unworthy of any loving relationship so he agrees to the marriage of convenience. Their growing attraction and ease in each other's company make for a lovely partnership as they finally see their worth and let go of their insecurities to become "a perfectly imperfect match".
Ross's sister Dido is a delight as she denigrates her greedy and awful cousin Amos who is due to inherit Ross's estate if Ross doesn't provide an heir. Amos finds every chance he can get to insult both Ross and Carenza, and he has some nasty deeds up his sleeves.
I am happy to recommend this charming Regency romance with intriguing characters and serious subject matter such as bullying and PTSD.
Thank you to Ms. Mallory for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Carenza Bettridge has sacrificed her life for her ill father by taking care of him in a divided household. Carenza's selfish stepmother and stepsisters have nothing to do with the running of the house. That all falls on Carenza's shoulders as she is treated like a servant. Her father meant well, but he sees the mistake he made with his eldest daughter when the very eligible Major James "Ross" Rossington, Viscount Austerfield comes to visit.
Ross is in the uncomfortable and unfavorable position of looking for a wife. As he gives in to his sister and aunt's unwavering pressure to find a suitable woman for his partner in life, he finds himself visiting the Bettridge estate. A household filled with two insipid Bettridge sisters and a mother who force themselves to tolerate his scarred face to become a Viscountess. After changing his mind and being determined to leave, he meets an intriguing third sister who is treated abominably by the women, and who prefers to stay away from him. She is the first woman to make him feel comfortable in her presence. Perhaps her father's offer of a marriage of convenience isn't so bad after all.
Carenza is a kind and generous person who finds herself undeserving of Ross due to the constant criticism of her stepmother and stepsisters. But with some assurances from her father that he will be taken care of without her, she agrees to Ross's unconventional proposal. Ross is scarred not only on the outside but the inside as well. As a survivor of Waterloo, he has nightmares and PTSD-related episodes that convince him he is unworthy of any loving relationship so he agrees to the marriage of convenience. Their growing attraction and ease in each other's company make for a lovely partnership as they finally see their worth and let go of their insecurities to become "a perfectly imperfect match".
Ross's sister Dido is a delight as she denigrates her greedy and awful cousin Amos who is due to inherit Ross's estate if Ross doesn't provide an heir. Amos finds every chance he can get to insult both Ross and Carenza, and he has some nasty deeds up his sleeves.
I am happy to recommend this charming Regency romance with intriguing characters and serious subject matter such as bullying and PTSD.
Thank you to Ms. Mallory for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
December 18, 2021
A marriage of convenience and pity, that could never work…
Carenza Bettridge absolutely adores her father and doesn’t hesitate to look after him. unfortunately, her stepmother and half-sisters aren’t applying the same kindness that Carenza is known for. On the contrary, her stepmother is cruel and her sisters bully her. Cinderella was treated like a queen compared to the things Carenza had to endure! When Major James Rossington, Viscount Austerfield, also known as Ross, returns from Waterloo, he is the most eligible bachelor. But even while the unmarried ladies flirt with him and he is victim of his sister’s matchmaking skills, he knows that people are terrified and horrified of his scars. So while her stepmother wants one of her own daughters to be the one to get married to Ross, it is Carenza that received the proposal. However, it is a proposal for a wedding in name only, as for Ross it will make him unavailable for more matchmaking, and after seeing how Carenza is treated, a way to escape her stepmother. But Ross doesn’t expect to see Carenza blossom into a confident and caring woman. Maybe the marriage will become a real one?
I am one of those women that even at the age of 35, truly enjoy a good fairy tale. And with this title, I couldn’t pass on the opportunity reading this book!
But I have to say, the way Carenza is treated by her family, with excepting of her lovely father of course, gave me the shivers. There are so many examples in the world where new families are created, and people love each other, no matter if blood – related or not. However, in a different era, things may be different, and if the characters were all kind to Carenza, we would have a complete different story.
Despite her stepmother and her sisters, Carenza remains that kind person, not fighting back. And not because she doesn’t mind the bullying, but because she knows how that would affect her father. so for his sake, she keeps enduring all the nasty nudges… I loved reading how Carenza shows her true self after being ‘saved’ by Ross. After years being seen as a just a maid, she now can be the real Carenza. And obviously, she remains the same kind Carenza as before, but now she won’t hesitate to stand her ground, become more confident and trust her own gut.
Talking about Ross… being a Major, makes it obvious he is a courageous man. He admits himself that he loved his years in the army, and he was reluctant of become a Viscount, after losing his beloved brother. And his scars don’t make things easier for him. and seeing how there are predatory women flying around him, pretending to like him and not being disgusted by him scars, made it understandable why he proposed to Carenza. I found it very sweet to see how, once married, these two lovely people started getting closer. But it also broke my heart seeing how the war had not only scarred Ross on the outside but also on the inside. But on the other hand, it warmed my heart to see how Carenza kept on showing him that she isn’t bothered by it.
This story may look like the fairy-tale at first glance, but while reading the comparison totally dissolved. This was a book about two people who deserve the world, but the world hasn’t treated them very kindly. Both characters are facing the reality that not all people are as kind and gentle and honest as themselves. But when you find a kindred spirit, who wants to give you the world, it doesn’t matter how nasty some bits of the world can be. I loved reading this book, not because the rather predictable ending, but because of how the characters find each other, and find a way to help each other out. It shows us that love can cure a lot, and with the right people, friends and family, everyone can get that fairy-tale happy end, even when you thought it would never happen to you.
Carenza Bettridge absolutely adores her father and doesn’t hesitate to look after him. unfortunately, her stepmother and half-sisters aren’t applying the same kindness that Carenza is known for. On the contrary, her stepmother is cruel and her sisters bully her. Cinderella was treated like a queen compared to the things Carenza had to endure! When Major James Rossington, Viscount Austerfield, also known as Ross, returns from Waterloo, he is the most eligible bachelor. But even while the unmarried ladies flirt with him and he is victim of his sister’s matchmaking skills, he knows that people are terrified and horrified of his scars. So while her stepmother wants one of her own daughters to be the one to get married to Ross, it is Carenza that received the proposal. However, it is a proposal for a wedding in name only, as for Ross it will make him unavailable for more matchmaking, and after seeing how Carenza is treated, a way to escape her stepmother. But Ross doesn’t expect to see Carenza blossom into a confident and caring woman. Maybe the marriage will become a real one?
I am one of those women that even at the age of 35, truly enjoy a good fairy tale. And with this title, I couldn’t pass on the opportunity reading this book!
But I have to say, the way Carenza is treated by her family, with excepting of her lovely father of course, gave me the shivers. There are so many examples in the world where new families are created, and people love each other, no matter if blood – related or not. However, in a different era, things may be different, and if the characters were all kind to Carenza, we would have a complete different story.
Despite her stepmother and her sisters, Carenza remains that kind person, not fighting back. And not because she doesn’t mind the bullying, but because she knows how that would affect her father. so for his sake, she keeps enduring all the nasty nudges… I loved reading how Carenza shows her true self after being ‘saved’ by Ross. After years being seen as a just a maid, she now can be the real Carenza. And obviously, she remains the same kind Carenza as before, but now she won’t hesitate to stand her ground, become more confident and trust her own gut.
Talking about Ross… being a Major, makes it obvious he is a courageous man. He admits himself that he loved his years in the army, and he was reluctant of become a Viscount, after losing his beloved brother. And his scars don’t make things easier for him. and seeing how there are predatory women flying around him, pretending to like him and not being disgusted by him scars, made it understandable why he proposed to Carenza. I found it very sweet to see how, once married, these two lovely people started getting closer. But it also broke my heart seeing how the war had not only scarred Ross on the outside but also on the inside. But on the other hand, it warmed my heart to see how Carenza kept on showing him that she isn’t bothered by it.
This story may look like the fairy-tale at first glance, but while reading the comparison totally dissolved. This was a book about two people who deserve the world, but the world hasn’t treated them very kindly. Both characters are facing the reality that not all people are as kind and gentle and honest as themselves. But when you find a kindred spirit, who wants to give you the world, it doesn’t matter how nasty some bits of the world can be. I loved reading this book, not because the rather predictable ending, but because of how the characters find each other, and find a way to help each other out. It shows us that love can cure a lot, and with the right people, friends and family, everyone can get that fairy-tale happy end, even when you thought it would never happen to you.
June 16, 2024
Carenza Bettridge lives with her ailing father, and her less than gracious stepmother and her two half sisters. By the latter three, she is treated like a slave in her own father's household. While she has accepted this life so that she can be near to her father and care for him, she is often left out of everything, purposely, but the selfishness of her female family members.
James Rossington, the Viscount of Austerfield has recovered from his injuries at Waterloo, except for the scars on his face and body, and the PTSD that he's been left with, after the horrific things he has seen and experienced. Prompted by two of his female family members to marry, James gives that idea half a chance and comes into the acquaintance of Carenza and her family. While he is staying with them, he decides quite quickly that Carenza's half sisters are two young ladies he would never marry. He also sees the way Carenza is treated by them and her stepmother, and he feels an amount of sympathy for her. In spite of her stepmother's attempts to keep her out of the company of Viscount Austerfield, it is Carenza that he settles on for a marriage proposal. This enrages her stepmother and her half sisters, so they take their frustration out on Carenza. Seeing the gravity of her situation, James, Viscount Austerfield, arranges a hasty marriage ceremony and whisks Carenza away from them, with the promise that Carenza will never want a real marriage from him, so hideous does he think he is, with his scars.
Carenza finds living at James' estate very peaceful and she finds she enjoys her days, except for one thing: she is trying to draw her husband out of his shell, it's difficult, and she finds the more time she spends with him, the more her affection grows.
Will Carenza and James have a happy ending? An enjoyable read.
James Rossington, the Viscount of Austerfield has recovered from his injuries at Waterloo, except for the scars on his face and body, and the PTSD that he's been left with, after the horrific things he has seen and experienced. Prompted by two of his female family members to marry, James gives that idea half a chance and comes into the acquaintance of Carenza and her family. While he is staying with them, he decides quite quickly that Carenza's half sisters are two young ladies he would never marry. He also sees the way Carenza is treated by them and her stepmother, and he feels an amount of sympathy for her. In spite of her stepmother's attempts to keep her out of the company of Viscount Austerfield, it is Carenza that he settles on for a marriage proposal. This enrages her stepmother and her half sisters, so they take their frustration out on Carenza. Seeing the gravity of her situation, James, Viscount Austerfield, arranges a hasty marriage ceremony and whisks Carenza away from them, with the promise that Carenza will never want a real marriage from him, so hideous does he think he is, with his scars.
Carenza finds living at James' estate very peaceful and she finds she enjoys her days, except for one thing: she is trying to draw her husband out of his shell, it's difficult, and she finds the more time she spends with him, the more her affection grows.
Will Carenza and James have a happy ending? An enjoyable read.
December 8, 2021
This was my first book by Sarah Mallory but, after reading Cinderella and the Scarred Viscount, I will definitely be checking out her other titles. This marriage-of-convenience, Cinderella-themed historical romance is one I enjoyed.
Mallory's vibrantly-depicted, fully-developed characters come to life on the pages of this book. I felt an immediate affection for Carenza that never wavered. I admired her kindness in the face of the years of mistreatment from her step-mother and half-sisters but also cheered her evolution as she slowly gained confidence and began to take control of her life.
Ross's evolution is also an important part of this couple's journey. I thought his PTSD was realistically portrayed throughout the story, adding depth and complexity to his character. Also, I appreciated the slow burn of his relationship with Carenza, moving their journey forward at a gradual, realistic pace with no quick and easy, fairy-tale solutions. By the time they reached the conclusion of their journey, I was fully convinced of their mutual love and confident of their future together. Thanks to the author for the endearing epilogue that confirmed my wishes for these two...and the others.
The villains of the piece were as vibrantly depicted as the main characters, only in a negative, I'd-like-to-throw-you-off-the-nearest-cliff, kind of way. Mallory gave me protagonists I could love and antagonists to despise in equal measure.
If you enjoy characters who not only survive what life has thrown at them but triumph over adversity, finding love and happiness in the process, give Cinderella and the Scarred Viscount a try.
ARC received for fair and unbiased review
Rachel's Random Resources Blog Tour
Mallory's vibrantly-depicted, fully-developed characters come to life on the pages of this book. I felt an immediate affection for Carenza that never wavered. I admired her kindness in the face of the years of mistreatment from her step-mother and half-sisters but also cheered her evolution as she slowly gained confidence and began to take control of her life.
Ross's evolution is also an important part of this couple's journey. I thought his PTSD was realistically portrayed throughout the story, adding depth and complexity to his character. Also, I appreciated the slow burn of his relationship with Carenza, moving their journey forward at a gradual, realistic pace with no quick and easy, fairy-tale solutions. By the time they reached the conclusion of their journey, I was fully convinced of their mutual love and confident of their future together. Thanks to the author for the endearing epilogue that confirmed my wishes for these two...and the others.
The villains of the piece were as vibrantly depicted as the main characters, only in a negative, I'd-like-to-throw-you-off-the-nearest-cliff, kind of way. Mallory gave me protagonists I could love and antagonists to despise in equal measure.
If you enjoy characters who not only survive what life has thrown at them but triumph over adversity, finding love and happiness in the process, give Cinderella and the Scarred Viscount a try.
ARC received for fair and unbiased review
Rachel's Random Resources Blog Tour
December 7, 2021
*4.5 Stars*
I really enjoyed this Cinderella retelling. Carenza is treated poorly by her steps but she puts up with it out of love for her dad. She pushes down any resentment and negative feelings in order to help him have a calm life. It means that she misses out on a lot of what others her age have but it doesn’t matter to her as long as her dad is happy. With Ross’s stay, thought, her dad’s starting to see exactly what that means and realizes that Ross may be able to help.
Ross’s experience in the war has left him with a lot of issues and his family pestering him to get married is not helping. It’s hard to witness Ross’s troubles with the feeling of being broken because of his scars and PTSD. But time spent with Carenza slowly builds him back up – her support shows she believes in his worth, doesn’t find him lacking, and that his scars are not as bad as he thinks they are.
Both characters have a lot more strength than they think they do and time together soon has them realizing that. There’s a bit of a struggle as they begin developing feelings for each other, which leads to drama as they work at letting go of their beliefs about themselves & start to understand they actually deserve a future together. It’s a satisfying journey and gives readers a wonderful HEA ending.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
I really enjoyed this Cinderella retelling. Carenza is treated poorly by her steps but she puts up with it out of love for her dad. She pushes down any resentment and negative feelings in order to help him have a calm life. It means that she misses out on a lot of what others her age have but it doesn’t matter to her as long as her dad is happy. With Ross’s stay, thought, her dad’s starting to see exactly what that means and realizes that Ross may be able to help.
Ross’s experience in the war has left him with a lot of issues and his family pestering him to get married is not helping. It’s hard to witness Ross’s troubles with the feeling of being broken because of his scars and PTSD. But time spent with Carenza slowly builds him back up – her support shows she believes in his worth, doesn’t find him lacking, and that his scars are not as bad as he thinks they are.
Both characters have a lot more strength than they think they do and time together soon has them realizing that. There’s a bit of a struggle as they begin developing feelings for each other, which leads to drama as they work at letting go of their beliefs about themselves & start to understand they actually deserve a future together. It’s a satisfying journey and gives readers a wonderful HEA ending.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
December 7, 2021
Ross is a Waterloo hero looking for a suitable wife. He lives with mental and physical scars of the infamous battle. Carenza's life is reminiscent of Cinderella. The couple's marriage of convenience is the result of a tentative friendship. The romantic possibilities increase with proximity. This is a lovely romantic Regency fairytale, complete with wicked relatives and a unexpectedly evil antagonist.
Carenza and Ross both have emotional scarring, but it's rewarding to see their emotional connection grow as their scars begin to fade. There is simmering passion and gentle humour amidst the angst and self-recrimination in this engaging classical Regency romance. It has a spectacular finale with a sinister twist and a magical fairytale ending.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Carenza and Ross both have emotional scarring, but it's rewarding to see their emotional connection grow as their scars begin to fade. There is simmering passion and gentle humour amidst the angst and self-recrimination in this engaging classical Regency romance. It has a spectacular finale with a sinister twist and a magical fairytale ending.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
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