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Mayhem in Mayfair #1
Her Husband's Harlot
This is a previously published edition of ASIN B006PW0Q6U.
Not Quite a Wife . . .
After a disastrous wedding night, proper Lady Helena Harteford fears for the fate of her new marriage. Disguised as a doxy, she tracks her husband down at a bawdy house to reason with him . . . and instead discovers the thrill of forbidden passion. An innocent ruse turns into a risky deception; how far will this once-wallflower go to win her husband's love?
Unfit to be a Husband . . .
Orphaned at an early age, Nicholas Morgan escapes his violent beginnings to become a successful merchant--only to discover that he is the legitimate heir of the Marquess of Harteford. His transition to the ton is rocky and made rockier when he marries above him. Torn between guilt and lust, he tries to protect his sweet, innocent wife from the demons of his past. But can he safeguard her from his own raging desires?
Caught between Past and Present . . .
When a dangerous nemesis rises from Nicholas' past, husband and wife must work together in order to survive. From the drawing rooms to the stews of Regency London, they find themselves caught in a game of passion and seduction. Will true love prevail? Or is Helena destined to remain . . . Her Husband's Harlot?
(approximately 105,000 words or 367 pages)
Not Quite a Wife . . .
After a disastrous wedding night, proper Lady Helena Harteford fears for the fate of her new marriage. Disguised as a doxy, she tracks her husband down at a bawdy house to reason with him . . . and instead discovers the thrill of forbidden passion. An innocent ruse turns into a risky deception; how far will this once-wallflower go to win her husband's love?
Unfit to be a Husband . . .
Orphaned at an early age, Nicholas Morgan escapes his violent beginnings to become a successful merchant--only to discover that he is the legitimate heir of the Marquess of Harteford. His transition to the ton is rocky and made rockier when he marries above him. Torn between guilt and lust, he tries to protect his sweet, innocent wife from the demons of his past. But can he safeguard her from his own raging desires?
Caught between Past and Present . . .
When a dangerous nemesis rises from Nicholas' past, husband and wife must work together in order to survive. From the drawing rooms to the stews of Regency London, they find themselves caught in a game of passion and seduction. Will true love prevail? Or is Helena destined to remain . . . Her Husband's Harlot?
(approximately 105,000 words or 367 pages)
367 pages, ebook
First published December 23, 2011
1410 people are currently reading
3013 people want to read
About the author
Grace Callaway
51 books1,084 followers
Preorder GLORY AND THE MASTER OF SHADOWS (Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels #4) for March 28th!
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Don't miss this thrilling new historical romance by USA Today Bestseller Grace Callaway! Set during the Opium Wars, this steamy and spellbinding Charlie’s Angels meets Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon romance will leave you breathless...
Their love is forbidden…and irresistible.
The daughter of a half-Chinese duke and a lady fossil hunter, Lady Glory Cavendish is a free-spirited campaigner for justice. She belongs to a secret society of lady detectives whose goal is to help women in need. During her latest case involving a dastardly dognapping, Glory crosses paths with the handsome and mysterious Wei Chen, a master of healing and martial arts. Fascinated by the noble shifu, Glory convinces him to take her on as a pupil; the more time she spends with him, however, the more she longs for lessons of a more intimate nature.
Master Wei Chen has led a life of discipline focused on a single goal: avenging his murdered kin. His journey takes him to London where, by day, he treats opium users in his East End clinic and, by night, he secretly hunts the villain who destroyed his family. Yet for the first time, temptation distracts Wei: his spirited and lovely new pupil stirs dangerous needs in him. Desires that are forbidden between a shifu and his student…and between a commoner and a duke’s daughter.
As Wei and Glory’s slow-burn romance ignites into fiery passion, they are drawn into a web of betrayal and deceit. Torn between honor and desire, revenge and love, the pair must decide if they will let the past determine their future…or if they will fight the shadows for their chance at happily ever after.
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About Grace
USA Today & International Bestselling Author Grace Callaway writes hot and heart-melting historical romance filled with mystery and adventure. Her debut novel was a Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Finalist and a #1 National Regency Bestseller, and her subsequent novels have topped national and international bestselling lists. She is the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, the Maggie Award for Excellence in Historical Romance, the Golden Leaf, and the Passionate Plume Award for Historical Novel. She holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan and lives with her family in a valley close to the sea. When she’s not writing, she enjoys dancing, exploring the great outdoors with her rescue pup, and cheering on her favorite basketball team.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 430 reviews
September 12, 2013
Really, it was bad enough that this story features one of those "frumpy" heroines who turns out to be beautiful all along, and the hero was a stubborn jackass with far too many feelz. It's also really boring in parts. So as I was finishing, I figured I'd give this an unenthusiastic 3 stars.
BUT THEN THIS HAPPENED IN THE FINAL PAGES.
WARNING: DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU'RE EATING OR INTEND TO EAT IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
I think I've reached my squick limit. I was hoping I'd never reach it.
BUT THEN THIS HAPPENED IN THE FINAL PAGES.
WARNING: DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU'RE EATING OR INTEND TO EAT IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
I think I've reached my squick limit. I was hoping I'd never reach it.
November 21, 2017
This was passable. I can't say I loved the heroine but she was nice enough, suppose. I did admire her strong-minded zeal to save her marriage. It was so endearing but I never really felt any great connection to the characters in the novel. I also hated the fact that the hero committed adultery; technically, he had sex with his wife while she was disguised as a whore but he didn't know she was his wife. As far as he was concerned it was a whore; in my book that's a form of adultery. The fact that he felt guilty about his "adultery" proves that he was more than aware of his wrongdoing.
March 10, 2019
Ordinarily, I would have rated this book a lot lower but I found the heroine compelling. She wasn't perfect by any means but while the hero acted pretty much out of control, the heroine was very sensible, a woman trying to fight for what she wanted.
Nicholas grew up really poor without knowing that he was the heir to a peer of the realm. When his father dies, Nicholas goes from merchant to Marquess and marries Helena, the daughter of an Earl. He liked her since he first saw her but the wedding night was a disaster and since then, he's been avoiding her.
It seems unbelievable that a man of experience would think that plowing a virgin without even a kiss let alone a caress would result in anything less than pain for her. Does this man have no common sense? Instead of reassuring her, HE is the one who has a fit of the vapors (figuratively), deciding that his desires were too base for a woman like her. After that, poor Helena is the one that does everything to bridge the gap between them while he runs scared.
The suspense plot was haphazard and nonsensical. There was nothing personal so why the sinister plot? He would have been better served by just blackmailing him.
Anyhow, I liked some of the secondary characters (Kent in particular) that I'm tempted to read at least his book. Not sure about the rest though.
Nicholas grew up really poor without knowing that he was the heir to a peer of the realm. When his father dies, Nicholas goes from merchant to Marquess and marries Helena, the daughter of an Earl. He liked her since he first saw her but the wedding night was a disaster and since then, he's been avoiding her.
It seems unbelievable that a man of experience would think that plowing a virgin without even a kiss let alone a caress would result in anything less than pain for her. Does this man have no common sense? Instead of reassuring her, HE is the one who has a fit of the vapors (figuratively), deciding that his desires were too base for a woman like her. After that, poor Helena is the one that does everything to bridge the gap between them while he runs scared.
The suspense plot was haphazard and nonsensical. There was nothing personal so why the sinister plot? He would have been better served by just blackmailing him.
Anyhow, I liked some of the secondary characters (Kent in particular) that I'm tempted to read at least his book. Not sure about the rest though.
April 19, 2021
I don’t usually finish reading a book I know I’ll rate a 2 star, but I couldn’t be bothered looking for a new book to read, so I did 🤷🏾♀️
Oh and if you enjoy a book that exceeds the steam scale and jumps straight into the vulgar category, then this is for you.
Just a snippet of what I mean-
"Has your mouth had enough of my cock? Perhaps you'd like to beg for it elsewhere, another wet, juicy hole waiting to be had."
I found myself laughing at the so called ‘steam’ 😭
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Oh and if you enjoy a book that exceeds the steam scale and jumps straight into the vulgar category, then this is for you.
Just a snippet of what I mean-
"Has your mouth had enough of my cock? Perhaps you'd like to beg for it elsewhere, another wet, juicy hole waiting to be had."
I found myself laughing at the so called ‘steam’ 😭
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
December 28, 2021
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (Max rating)
Humor: Just a bit
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Basic plot
Helena wants to save her marriage. She had a disastrous consummation and is now feeling estranged from her husband, who’s been avoiding her at all costs. Nicholas is not at home in the ton, and has a dark past he tries to hide from Helena, until she forces him into facing it together.
Give this a try if you want:
- High steam (8 scenes plus kisses and remembered others)
- Regency time period – this takes place in 1817
- Hero loves first – hero fell in love with her at a ball and had to have her as his wife
- Masquerade/Secret Identity in the plot – heroine attends multiple brothel visits with a disguise
- Second chance feel – they begin the story as an estranged couple, though they’ve been married around a month?
- Class difference feel – they are both from the aristocracy but the hero grew up an orphaned chimney sweep and the heroine is the daughter of an earl. Though the hero comes into his title of Marquess, he thinks of himself as a commoner and undeserving of her
- A mix of steamy romance with a bit of mystery/action - someone is threatening the hero from his past
My thoughts:
Had a bit of a love/hate relationship with this book. There was a lot I really loved about it. I liked Helena a lot, and I thought she was a strong character without being brash. She was very sweet, and Nicholas puts her through a lot. I liked the character development, I felt like I got to know everyone pretty well and the side characters helped bring the story to life with more depth and relationship angles. Enjoyed the sex, though I do wish Callaway had just a touch more on the feelings that are going on inside during the deed.
My main issue was with Nicholas just being extremely...dumb. The purposeful miscommunication issues. Putting her deeply in harm’s way to protect her. All of that drove me nuts. Example:
“Because the closer you get, the more I endanger you. Because I won’t be the cause of you coming to harm. Because I’d die before I let anything happen to you.”
Then he purposefully hurts her. Multiple times. He’s cruel, he says hurtful things, he makes her think the worst of him to drive her away. Which, if you know me, I can totally get behind this. I can love those jerk heroes. Stomp on my heart! But here, it just didn’t make sense to me! How is this protecting her? She’s still living with you. You’re still living with her. The black shadows following you know this. Keeping this information from her only puts her in more danger. So that did really get to me.
But the story does eventually turn around, and once he gives the relationship a chance, he’s just so obsessed with her, I could forgive him. But he’s not my favorite hero.
Also I am not sure if she loves the word turgid? I am usually pretty forgiving with sex words used but this one is not a favorite for me haha
There is an aspect of infidelity in this book
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (Max rating)
Humor: Just a bit
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Basic plot
Helena wants to save her marriage. She had a disastrous consummation and is now feeling estranged from her husband, who’s been avoiding her at all costs. Nicholas is not at home in the ton, and has a dark past he tries to hide from Helena, until she forces him into facing it together.
Give this a try if you want:
- High steam (8 scenes plus kisses and remembered others)
- Regency time period – this takes place in 1817
- Hero loves first – hero fell in love with her at a ball and had to have her as his wife
- Masquerade/Secret Identity in the plot – heroine attends multiple brothel visits with a disguise
- Second chance feel – they begin the story as an estranged couple, though they’ve been married around a month?
- Class difference feel – they are both from the aristocracy but the hero grew up an orphaned chimney sweep and the heroine is the daughter of an earl. Though the hero comes into his title of Marquess, he thinks of himself as a commoner and undeserving of her
- A mix of steamy romance with a bit of mystery/action - someone is threatening the hero from his past
My thoughts:
Had a bit of a love/hate relationship with this book. There was a lot I really loved about it. I liked Helena a lot, and I thought she was a strong character without being brash. She was very sweet, and Nicholas puts her through a lot. I liked the character development, I felt like I got to know everyone pretty well and the side characters helped bring the story to life with more depth and relationship angles. Enjoyed the sex, though I do wish Callaway had just a touch more on the feelings that are going on inside during the deed.
My main issue was with Nicholas just being extremely...dumb. The purposeful miscommunication issues. Putting her deeply in harm’s way to protect her. All of that drove me nuts. Example:
“Because the closer you get, the more I endanger you. Because I won’t be the cause of you coming to harm. Because I’d die before I let anything happen to you.”
Then he purposefully hurts her. Multiple times. He’s cruel, he says hurtful things, he makes her think the worst of him to drive her away. Which, if you know me, I can totally get behind this. I can love those jerk heroes. Stomp on my heart! But here, it just didn’t make sense to me! How is this protecting her? She’s still living with you. You’re still living with her. The black shadows following you know this. Keeping this information from her only puts her in more danger. So that did really get to me.
But the story does eventually turn around, and once he gives the relationship a chance, he’s just so obsessed with her, I could forgive him. But he’s not my favorite hero.
Also I am not sure if she loves the word turgid? I am usually pretty forgiving with sex words used but this one is not a favorite for me haha
There is an aspect of infidelity in this book
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
September 30, 2021
This book was definitely on the top of romance novels I have read. I loved this. It had an actual plot instead of just sex with some plot. I love the how strong Helena was. She could have walked away from her marriage after being rejected and ignored by her husband Nicholas but she wouldn't give up. However, looking from Nicholas' perspective we realize how strong he feels about not being good enough for Helena as he didn't inherit his fortune but worked for it and he also has a dark past. At the beginning I could feel his sexual frustration because he really wanted his wife but felt worthless and invaluable which just sucks because, as we learn, he has been through some horrible things that most surely were not his fault. I love how hard they worked at their marriage. I really admire their relationship. This book was surprisingly emotion. There were several scenes that rip out your heart a bit. In the end it was all worth it. This is not a 5 star review because there were parts in the beginning that were slow but once the paced picked up it didn't drop. I definitely recommend this one to romance lovers.
Overall: 4.5 stars
Overall: 4.5 stars
June 16, 2022
✨Beautiful, colossal cock✨
Well it was an interesting concept and idk how to really set up a similar scenario without the “he’s cheating” bit because obviously we knew she was his wife but he didn’t. And I couldn’t tell if he’d actually been with other women before that??? I think he had…which is a no from me. Talk with your wife before you stick it in elsewhere please and thank you.
Aside from the cheating, I didn’t really care about the plot; I was in this one for the sex. Her father’s character was, as expected, an annoying moocher. And if I’m being honest, I can’t remember the hero’s name right now. So sorry. Well whatever his name is, I also didn’t really care for his backstory. I’d recently read Scandal in Spring and that hero had a more compelling situation, while somewhat similar to here.
The dirty talk didn’t really work for me here but I think that may have been more from the narration via audiobook. Helena’s lines especially felt unnatural. But I did think the rest of the book was performed well.
This is the second book I’ve read from Grace and it’s the second book where ass stuff is done in the epilogue… Will this be a pattern..?
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.5/5
Well it was an interesting concept and idk how to really set up a similar scenario without the “he’s cheating” bit because obviously we knew she was his wife but he didn’t. And I couldn’t tell if he’d actually been with other women before that??? I think he had…which is a no from me. Talk with your wife before you stick it in elsewhere please and thank you.
Aside from the cheating, I didn’t really care about the plot; I was in this one for the sex. Her father’s character was, as expected, an annoying moocher. And if I’m being honest, I can’t remember the hero’s name right now. So sorry. Well whatever his name is, I also didn’t really care for his backstory. I’d recently read Scandal in Spring and that hero had a more compelling situation, while somewhat similar to here.
The dirty talk didn’t really work for me here but I think that may have been more from the narration via audiobook. Helena’s lines especially felt unnatural. But I did think the rest of the book was performed well.
This is the second book I’ve read from Grace and it’s the second book where ass stuff is done in the epilogue… Will this be a pattern..?
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.5/5
February 23, 2022
I wanted to read this for the steam but it wasn't as high as Grace Callaway's other books. The mysteries in Grace Callaway’s books usually take too long to solve and I typically lose interest and begin skimming. What irritated me was the hero, Nicholas. I didn't like how he kept pushing his wife Helena away in order to protect her from his past (and blackmailer) and how he kept using their "class difference" as an excuse. I was like, "Dude! If you have such a problem with this 'class difference,' then why did you marry her in the first place?" *eye roll and shaking my head*. I guess I'm just more used to reading HRs where the issue of class difference occurs BEFORE the marriage, not after. There is no real class difference in this romance. The hero was born into the aristocracy but his father abandoned his mother (his former mistress and an opera singer) who was pregnant with Nicholas at the time. When she died, he grew up on the streets. This is why he believes he is unworthy of the heroine.
September 16, 2022
yo, ever heard of couples therapy? 🤦🏽♀️
ms helena was perfectly well within her rights to seek out a lover at this point. poor girls been neglected for waaaaay too long. for the first 60% of this story, i had the displeasure of acquainting myself with mr “she’s too good for me but i just cannot commute the very notion that my wife is a gently proper bred lady with needs, so therefore must be high on the vapours dare she possess a wanton streak” 😤
like dude she’s been so very vocal about wanting/desiring you, to get to know you, to re-acquaint her self with you, while you’re over here treating her like she’s the most delicate flower in a precious ming vase pushing her away and lamenting over “tainting” her with your baser instincts. dude, at this point the only place you’re pushing her is to 👏🏽 the 👏🏽 fucking 👏🏽 edge 👏🏽. this is miscommunication at an all time extreme, i dare say 🤦🏽♀️
news flash but being “high class” or “elegant” whilst also having very human sexual needs need not be mutually exclusive. a woman being sophisticated and “slutty” are two traits that can very much co-exist. i think it’s high time we move past the notion that women exist to be sexual solely as a service to others *cough* men at the expense of their own services and “needs”. in other words, as taylor swift ever so gracefully puts it, “fuck the patriarchy”, as this kind of issue is perpetuated way beyond the confines of the bedroom—but that’s a talk for another day! ☝🏽
also fyi
the sizzling 🔥🔥🔥 scenes and the ending/happily ever ever (which i thought was cute) was good but not enough to warrant a rating over two stars. my first grace callaway read left much to be desired. but she does have an extensive backlist, so i here’s hoping this construes as room for improvement.🤞🏽
ms helena was perfectly well within her rights to seek out a lover at this point. poor girls been neglected for waaaaay too long. for the first 60% of this story, i had the displeasure of acquainting myself with mr “she’s too good for me but i just cannot commute the very notion that my wife is a gently proper bred lady with needs, so therefore must be high on the vapours dare she possess a wanton streak” 😤
like dude she’s been so very vocal about wanting/desiring you, to get to know you, to re-acquaint her self with you, while you’re over here treating her like she’s the most delicate flower in a precious ming vase pushing her away and lamenting over “tainting” her with your baser instincts. dude, at this point the only place you’re pushing her is to 👏🏽 the 👏🏽 fucking 👏🏽 edge 👏🏽. this is miscommunication at an all time extreme, i dare say 🤦🏽♀️
news flash but being “high class” or “elegant” whilst also having very human sexual needs need not be mutually exclusive. a woman being sophisticated and “slutty” are two traits that can very much co-exist. i think it’s high time we move past the notion that women exist to be sexual solely as a service to others *cough* men at the expense of their own services and “needs”. in other words, as taylor swift ever so gracefully puts it, “fuck the patriarchy”, as this kind of issue is perpetuated way beyond the confines of the bedroom—but that’s a talk for another day! ☝🏽
also fyi
the sizzling 🔥🔥🔥 scenes and the ending/happily ever ever (which i thought was cute) was good but not enough to warrant a rating over two stars. my first grace callaway read left much to be desired. but she does have an extensive backlist, so i here’s hoping this construes as room for improvement.🤞🏽
September 29, 2014
Wow! I loved this book so much! Very sexy, very emotional read. If you like erotic romance, historical romance, erotic historical romance or just a good damn book.... BUY IT!!!
July 27, 2022
If I haven't read like 300 romance novels, this one would have been creative, fresh, unique. And honestly, if I was just starting out in reading historical romance, Grace Callaway wouldn't be a bad place to start.
As it is, Her Husband's Harlot is not one of Grace Callway's best works. NGL I had it DNF within the first few chapters and I skimmed this to the end. Please don't ask me what happened :(
Unfortunately, it has a plot that is sure to piss off readers who like clean romance and piss off readers who want it transgressive, since Callaway doesn't go all in but tries to play both sides.
The plot revolves around a working-class man who inherits a title (he is a bastard and his noble father has no sons except for him) and he marries a buxom lady. Although both H+h are in love with each other, the hero is ashamed of his primal urges after their wedding night. Like most first times, it wasn't fireworks for the heroine. The hero interprets this as a failure on his part. She does not enjoy his attention so they will never, NEVER have a loving marriage bed. Solution? He avoids her and tries to repress his desire for her. (Guess how that works out).
Meanwhile, the heroine is bewildered. She is basically his love and has no issues with his background, is proud of him and all that he accomplished to where he is. So how come he doesn't want to talk to her or sleep with her?!
As a result of the hero's brilliant solution to repress his natural desires instead of talking to the heroine, he ends up at a brothel. The heroine finds out and goes out to get her man back. She disguises her appearance with a red wig and a mask to avoid being seen and they both end up hiding behind a curtain when a brothel worker and her clients stumble into the room that they are in. After hearing a threesome commence and end, it gets the H+ h in the mood, as you do, when they have the room all to themselves again.
Clean readers will not like that the hero has sex with who he believes to be a brothel worker (and they probably won't like that he went back the second time when his wife/the brothel worker sends him a note asking him to come back!) Smut readers will probably want to push the envelope more, as most of the story is a lot of handwringing, miscommunication, *yawns* I'm getting tired writing this out...
It took me a while to get on board with Callaway because of stories like this one where I feel like she was trying to placate a broader audience so she doesn't go all in. I almost gave up on Callaway. I'm glad I didn't as I very much enjoy her writing, but this one is a bit of snooze, despite its scandalous blurb.
As a reader who enjoys darker themes and dirty smut, I would have liked more angst in the deception, or more explicit scenes to actually make use of this set-up. Come on. The hero thinks his wife is a sex worker? Let's have fun with it! I'm not too bothered about the deception, although the second time that the hero answers the brothel worker's call is a little sus. But by that time, I checked out.
If you want to read about married couples who love each other but don't know each other, Grace Callaway does a much better turn with an amnesiac hero Regarding the Duke and the shorter but angst spy heaven The Lady Who Came in from the Cold.
As it is, Her Husband's Harlot is not one of Grace Callway's best works. NGL I had it DNF within the first few chapters and I skimmed this to the end. Please don't ask me what happened :(
Unfortunately, it has a plot that is sure to piss off readers who like clean romance and piss off readers who want it transgressive, since Callaway doesn't go all in but tries to play both sides.
The plot revolves around a working-class man who inherits a title (he is a bastard and his noble father has no sons except for him) and he marries a buxom lady. Although both H+h are in love with each other, the hero is ashamed of his primal urges after their wedding night. Like most first times, it wasn't fireworks for the heroine. The hero interprets this as a failure on his part. She does not enjoy his attention so they will never, NEVER have a loving marriage bed. Solution? He avoids her and tries to repress his desire for her. (Guess how that works out).
Meanwhile, the heroine is bewildered. She is basically his love and has no issues with his background, is proud of him and all that he accomplished to where he is. So how come he doesn't want to talk to her or sleep with her?!
As a result of the hero's brilliant solution to repress his natural desires instead of talking to the heroine, he ends up at a brothel. The heroine finds out and goes out to get her man back. She disguises her appearance with a red wig and a mask to avoid being seen and they both end up hiding behind a curtain when a brothel worker and her clients stumble into the room that they are in. After hearing a threesome commence and end, it gets the H+ h in the mood, as you do, when they have the room all to themselves again.
Clean readers will not like that the hero has sex with who he believes to be a brothel worker (and they probably won't like that he went back the second time when his wife/the brothel worker sends him a note asking him to come back!) Smut readers will probably want to push the envelope more, as most of the story is a lot of handwringing, miscommunication, *yawns* I'm getting tired writing this out...
It took me a while to get on board with Callaway because of stories like this one where I feel like she was trying to placate a broader audience so she doesn't go all in. I almost gave up on Callaway. I'm glad I didn't as I very much enjoy her writing, but this one is a bit of snooze, despite its scandalous blurb.
As a reader who enjoys darker themes and dirty smut, I would have liked more angst in the deception, or more explicit scenes to actually make use of this set-up. Come on. The hero thinks his wife is a sex worker? Let's have fun with it! I'm not too bothered about the deception, although the second time that the hero answers the brothel worker's call is a little sus. But by that time, I checked out.
If you want to read about married couples who love each other but don't know each other, Grace Callaway does a much better turn with an amnesiac hero Regarding the Duke and the shorter but angst spy heaven The Lady Who Came in from the Cold.
February 18, 2012
Genre: borderline erotic historical romance
Setting: 1817 London
Grade: C
Stale, pedestrian, by-the-numbers writing, poor pacing, an unengaging suspense plot, and uneven characterizations made this a chore to finish. If I weren't pressed for time because a kind friend loaned me this bk, this would have been suspended as a DNF at the 22% mark for ever. Currently, this bk is only avail in Kindle form and if you read the K sample (as I did), then you know this started out with a bang. Unfortunately, that was the best part of the novel. By far. Beware!
If you are relatively new to reading romance and like the works of Sharon Page and Emma Wildes, this bk might do you while you are waiting for their next release. If you are a veteran reader, however, you probably have read better regencies of husbands cheating on their marriage with their wives. Probably by Mary Balogh, who did at least two versions of this story.
Setting: 1817 London
Grade: C
Stale, pedestrian, by-the-numbers writing, poor pacing, an unengaging suspense plot, and uneven characterizations made this a chore to finish. If I weren't pressed for time because a kind friend loaned me this bk, this would have been suspended as a DNF at the 22% mark for ever. Currently, this bk is only avail in Kindle form and if you read the K sample (as I did), then you know this started out with a bang. Unfortunately, that was the best part of the novel. By far. Beware!
If you are relatively new to reading romance and like the works of Sharon Page and Emma Wildes, this bk might do you while you are waiting for their next release. If you are a veteran reader, however, you probably have read better regencies of husbands cheating on their marriage with their wives. Probably by Mary Balogh, who did at least two versions of this story.
February 5, 2022
This was pleasant! Sexy misunderstandings, blackmail, and one horny couple.
I can't wait to read more of this series!
4 stars
3.5 spice scale
I can't wait to read more of this series!
4 stars
3.5 spice scale
June 24, 2019
Seriously --- everything Grace Callaway writes is exactly what I love in a mindless escape kind of read. Great wit, entertaining and well-developed characters, and plenty of heat!
September 7, 2022
3.5 Stars
I have read most of Ms Callaway's later works, and I stand mightily impressed. I decided to read this book because I loved Fiona & the Enigmatic Earl, and this is the hero's parent's story.
This review comes from memory because I read it a couple of months ago while I was travelling.
- Great writing
- A combination of mystery, romance & steam that is Ms Callaway's forte
- I was not quite impressed with the hero or the heroine
- They were both reticent, refused to resolve the assumed misunderstanding (very unlike the author's later works)
- These presumptions took more away from the romance than necessary
*A generally likeable and enjoyable story. Trigger warning below.
I have read most of Ms Callaway's later works, and I stand mightily impressed. I decided to read this book because I loved Fiona & the Enigmatic Earl, and this is the hero's parent's story.
This review comes from memory because I read it a couple of months ago while I was travelling.
- Great writing
- A combination of mystery, romance & steam that is Ms Callaway's forte
- I was not quite impressed with the hero or the heroine
- They were both reticent, refused to resolve the assumed misunderstanding (very unlike the author's later works)
- These presumptions took more away from the romance than necessary
*A generally likeable and enjoyable story. Trigger warning below.
June 4, 2021
A STEAMY hot read but the characters made no sense and the cheating was appalling!
May 19, 2021
⭐⭐⭐
The only reason I picked it up was tenacious heroine. There were some actions by the hero, which was inexcusable. But the heroine was one of the best till date. The writing is very good
The only reason I picked it up was tenacious heroine. There were some actions by the hero, which was inexcusable. But the heroine was one of the best till date. The writing is very good
nope-not-for-me
March 21, 2020
can-never-read
December 12, 2015Is this world truly lost??? Again with the cheating while married...
Self note:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Self note:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
November 21, 2021
Reread Nov/21: Still a 5 star read for me.
I adore this super sensual and unique story of sexual awakening, passion, acceptance, and love and the bumpy path the H and h are on to get there. Excellent introduction to characters to come (literally) in rest of series.
I love how Nicholas and Helena grew together as a couple; sexy, playful, hopeful.
This book is a gem. Don't miss out!
***So glad I took the time to re-read and I would do so again!! 😍
*******************************************
Descriptive, vivid, and sensual love story and so much more...full of lush deepness and human struggle. The darkness one carries within themselves from a past filled with trauma and the struggle to feel worthy of the love and acceptance of others in the face of self-loathing. How one's past can affect present choices and decisions... how one can overcome the ghosts of their past. Anguish, torment, passionate sexual awakening, the yearning to be understood, spirit, deep human connection, bravery and redemption. A totally engaging read and my first by this author.
I adore this super sensual and unique story of sexual awakening, passion, acceptance, and love and the bumpy path the H and h are on to get there. Excellent introduction to characters to come (literally) in rest of series.
I love how Nicholas and Helena grew together as a couple; sexy, playful, hopeful.
This book is a gem. Don't miss out!
***So glad I took the time to re-read and I would do so again!! 😍
*******************************************
Descriptive, vivid, and sensual love story and so much more...full of lush deepness and human struggle. The darkness one carries within themselves from a past filled with trauma and the struggle to feel worthy of the love and acceptance of others in the face of self-loathing. How one's past can affect present choices and decisions... how one can overcome the ghosts of their past. Anguish, torment, passionate sexual awakening, the yearning to be understood, spirit, deep human connection, bravery and redemption. A totally engaging read and my first by this author.
December 28, 2015
I Fell in love with Grace Callaways writing in "M for Marquess" and not one of her books could change that.
This is her first Book and I have to admit that it shows. The first three quarters were good but not what I was used to.
Nevertheless, the last quarter made up for that and I loved it
All in all 4 stars and a story which I am sure I will re-read
This is her first Book and I have to admit that it shows. The first three quarters were good but not what I was used to.
Nevertheless, the last quarter made up for that and I loved it
All in all 4 stars and a story which I am sure I will re-read
January 21, 2025
3.25 stars
What I liked: Nicholas being so horny for his wife, and mentally waxing lyrical about Helena's cleavage for several pages. Meanwhile, she’s fondling herself because — oops! — a necklace has fallen down the front of her dress, and of course she needs to shrug to get the right jiggle. She definitely knows he’s a breast man. 🤣
What I liked less: Honestly, a lot of the plot. I accepted the whole “sleeping with a doxy he didn’t know was his wife” thing because it’s the premise of the book, but all the stuff about his past being the reason why they couldn’t have a real marriage? Not super engaging. Just get back to the horniness, people!
ETA: I just realised this is Grace Calloway’s debut novel, which makes a lot of sense! Her writing has improved (I much prefer her later books), but this was still pretty entertaining.
What I liked: Nicholas being so horny for his wife, and mentally waxing lyrical about Helena's cleavage for several pages. Meanwhile, she’s fondling herself because — oops! — a necklace has fallen down the front of her dress, and of course she needs to shrug to get the right jiggle. She definitely knows he’s a breast man. 🤣
What I liked less: Honestly, a lot of the plot. I accepted the whole “sleeping with a doxy he didn’t know was his wife” thing because it’s the premise of the book, but all the stuff about his past being the reason why they couldn’t have a real marriage? Not super engaging. Just get back to the horniness, people!
ETA: I just realised this is Grace Calloway’s debut novel, which makes a lot of sense! Her writing has improved (I much prefer her later books), but this was still pretty entertaining.
July 21, 2013
Spicy and Bold...Just how I like it!
This is the first story I have read by this author and Im so glad I found her! I read some of the other reviews that complained about the descriptive love scenes. I understand some people don't enjoy scenes like that or love scenes period, and thats perfectly all right we can't all like the same things. =) I thought the were perfect and not overly done or 'porno graphic' in the least. . They ARE slightly spicer than your average love scene but I enjoy that.
I especially liked the heroine in this story. She starts off as as kind of meek and mild...then all of a sudden BAM not so mild any longer. ; ) She has some feistiness to her but also a gentle sweetness about her. The hero is a great man that has had a tragic past and he doesn't feel like he fits in with the 'noble' class since he is a working merchant. Their love story is sweet and enduring. I also liked the hint of danger incorporated in...it added a nice extra dimension to the story.
I really enjoyed this story and I HIGHLY recommend this story to others. I can't wait to read more by this author!
Happy Reading!
This is the first story I have read by this author and Im so glad I found her! I read some of the other reviews that complained about the descriptive love scenes. I understand some people don't enjoy scenes like that or love scenes period, and thats perfectly all right we can't all like the same things. =) I thought the were perfect and not overly done or 'porno graphic' in the least. . They ARE slightly spicer than your average love scene but I enjoy that.
I especially liked the heroine in this story. She starts off as as kind of meek and mild...then all of a sudden BAM not so mild any longer. ; ) She has some feistiness to her but also a gentle sweetness about her. The hero is a great man that has had a tragic past and he doesn't feel like he fits in with the 'noble' class since he is a working merchant. Their love story is sweet and enduring. I also liked the hint of danger incorporated in...it added a nice extra dimension to the story.
I really enjoyed this story and I HIGHLY recommend this story to others. I can't wait to read more by this author!
Happy Reading!
January 24, 2020
My first Grace Callaway novel and first disappointment this year with listening to new authors. Initially, the story started out okay but I became a bit bored with the narration and some of the terminology used throughout which surprised me as a historical read. Not sure if this is a beginning into this type of HR for this author but I managed to finish.
Hoping the next book in this Mayhem in Mayfair by Callaway is a bit better than the first.
2.5-Stars
Hoping the next book in this Mayhem in Mayfair by Callaway is a bit better than the first.
2.5-Stars
September 17, 2014
I wanted to like this book more, but the fact that the main characters are just so stupid with each other...and that Nicholas is essentially cheating on Helena made me a bit irritated. Oh, but he feels really bad about it.
Guess what? Don't care. He did it twice. But it was really Helena, so I guess it doesn't count, right?
I just wanted to hit these two a lot.
Guess what? Don't care. He did it twice. But it was really Helena, so I guess it doesn't count, right?
I just wanted to hit these two a lot.
May 12, 2021
what a pathetic excuse of a hero and miscommunication as the only plot device.
September 15, 2020
there were some good moments but it did grew tedious in the end.
March 6, 2021
I really liked this couple, both had hidden depths. He's proud of his business skills but hates being shamed by the ton. They are in love but both have self esteem issues upsetting their relationship. The heroine is great, stronger than her new husband. she found the courage to find a way to be his lover first, then she demanded he become a husband. Lots of tropes but enough differences to make their story stand out.
February 14, 2012
I’m making an effort this year to read more self published books by authors I’m unfamiliar with. When this book came through my review requests, the blurb intrigued me. A wife disguises herself as her husband’s harlot? I had to know why.
This books opens with Lady Helena Harteford and her husband the Marquess of Harteford, or Nicholas married for one month. They have only known each other a total of four months, having married after three months of courting. Nicholas is new to the title of Marquess. He grew up poor, the bastard son of a whore and in violent circumstances. But he never gave up, and eventually started to climb the ranks of a shipping company, from dock worker, to now partner. But then the title of Marquess was dumped in his lap. And when he started to attend ton functions (something he is not comfortable doing) he meets Helena.
After a brief courtship, Helena finds herself on her wedding night nervous as any virgin. When the sex occurs, she screams in pain, and scares Nicholas off. Now a month has gone by and their marriage is extremely awkward. Nicholas hasn’t returned to her bed, instead burying himself in work. When Helena finds an invitation for Nicholas to attend a high-end brothel, she decides to disguise herself and follow him in. In an amusing turn of events, Helena ends up hiding behind a curtain, just to find Nicholas there. And It is there, in the darkness Nicholas has very naughty sex with her – but he has no idea it is Helena he is cavorting with. Helena can’t believe she acted like a harlot, but she also can’t believe how much it turned her on. Nicholas has very dark secrets from his past and Helena now has the secret of being a harlot, of which both feel shame.
Her Husband’s Harlot I believe is the debut book by Grace Callaway and for the most part I liked it. There were a few things that annoyed me but first let me tell you what I enjoyed. I love that the book starts with this couple a month into their marriage and everything is not perfect. It felt realistic. The sex was not wondrous and orgasmic on their wedding night. We have some nice conflict going on. When Nicholas sneaks off to the brothel, and after a series of events ends up having sex with his wife (who he things is some random girl) I didn’t mind that. I was excited to see how things would play out.
I also really like Nicholas and his poor past. He had to work his way up at the docks from a young age and now finds himself with a title. In the book he mentions he doesn’t feel comfortable having a working class upbringing in the ton, nor does he feel comfortable having a title as he runs his company. He is caught in-between two worlds and struggles with both of them. Very interesting to read about. This book also has an erotic tone to it that drew me in.
There are a few things that didn’t work for me though. First of all, it felt like these two (well maybe Helena more than Nicholas) pegged much of their happiness on good sex. Helena was desperate to fix her marriage, so she figured she must perform better in bed to make everything better. Rather than have an emphasis on getting to know Nicholas better or building a friendship. Later in the book, maybe the last fourth, Helena does realize trust needs to be there, not just sex. But it was a little late for me.
I also had a problem with Nicholas. So yes, he goes to a brothel and cheats on his wife. But then Spoiler
I feel like he needed to grovel more when he realizes Helena knew he went to a brothel looking to have sex. Helena apologizes for acting like a harlot, and although Nicholas apologizes, it is very brief. I expected more anger on Helena’s part that he actually sought out whores. I don’t care that it was really her. I also felt Nicholas has a very cruel edge in this book (yes he has a reason for it) and maybe a little more apologizing for that would have been appropriate too.
Final thoughts – I like this author’s voice and I hope she writes more. Even with the few things I struggled with, I’m still glad I read this book.
Rating: C+
This books opens with Lady Helena Harteford and her husband the Marquess of Harteford, or Nicholas married for one month. They have only known each other a total of four months, having married after three months of courting. Nicholas is new to the title of Marquess. He grew up poor, the bastard son of a whore and in violent circumstances. But he never gave up, and eventually started to climb the ranks of a shipping company, from dock worker, to now partner. But then the title of Marquess was dumped in his lap. And when he started to attend ton functions (something he is not comfortable doing) he meets Helena.
After a brief courtship, Helena finds herself on her wedding night nervous as any virgin. When the sex occurs, she screams in pain, and scares Nicholas off. Now a month has gone by and their marriage is extremely awkward. Nicholas hasn’t returned to her bed, instead burying himself in work. When Helena finds an invitation for Nicholas to attend a high-end brothel, she decides to disguise herself and follow him in. In an amusing turn of events, Helena ends up hiding behind a curtain, just to find Nicholas there. And It is there, in the darkness Nicholas has very naughty sex with her – but he has no idea it is Helena he is cavorting with. Helena can’t believe she acted like a harlot, but she also can’t believe how much it turned her on. Nicholas has very dark secrets from his past and Helena now has the secret of being a harlot, of which both feel shame.
Her Husband’s Harlot I believe is the debut book by Grace Callaway and for the most part I liked it. There were a few things that annoyed me but first let me tell you what I enjoyed. I love that the book starts with this couple a month into their marriage and everything is not perfect. It felt realistic. The sex was not wondrous and orgasmic on their wedding night. We have some nice conflict going on. When Nicholas sneaks off to the brothel, and after a series of events ends up having sex with his wife (who he things is some random girl) I didn’t mind that. I was excited to see how things would play out.
I also really like Nicholas and his poor past. He had to work his way up at the docks from a young age and now finds himself with a title. In the book he mentions he doesn’t feel comfortable having a working class upbringing in the ton, nor does he feel comfortable having a title as he runs his company. He is caught in-between two worlds and struggles with both of them. Very interesting to read about. This book also has an erotic tone to it that drew me in.
There are a few things that didn’t work for me though. First of all, it felt like these two (well maybe Helena more than Nicholas) pegged much of their happiness on good sex. Helena was desperate to fix her marriage, so she figured she must perform better in bed to make everything better. Rather than have an emphasis on getting to know Nicholas better or building a friendship. Later in the book, maybe the last fourth, Helena does realize trust needs to be there, not just sex. But it was a little late for me.
I also had a problem with Nicholas. So yes, he goes to a brothel and cheats on his wife. But then Spoiler
I feel like he needed to grovel more when he realizes Helena knew he went to a brothel looking to have sex. Helena apologizes for acting like a harlot, and although Nicholas apologizes, it is very brief. I expected more anger on Helena’s part that he actually sought out whores. I don’t care that it was really her. I also felt Nicholas has a very cruel edge in this book (yes he has a reason for it) and maybe a little more apologizing for that would have been appropriate too.
Final thoughts – I like this author’s voice and I hope she writes more. Even with the few things I struggled with, I’m still glad I read this book.
Rating: C+
December 31, 2011
This is not your usual regency romance. It's as hot and sensual, like so many, but it comes with an exciting plot of blackmail, crime, and revenge. the author takes you into the slums of London, the warehouses, the docks.
An absolutely riveting read. And a very saucy piece of prose.
A new author definitely worth watching.
An absolutely riveting read. And a very saucy piece of prose.
A new author definitely worth watching.
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