Hanover Square Spare

The Rakes of Rotten Row #1

by Annabelle Anders

The Earl of Standish couldn't have a worse name. He's not in good standing anywhere, but with luck and the right bride, that should all change...

As the Duke of Crossing’s overlooked daughter, Lady Marigold Hathaway’s prospects are limited, at best. So when Lord Standish comes to her with a shocking proposition, she can’t help but consider it.

When everyone has always wanted her older sister, why would this handsome earl suddenly want her? And does it matter, seeing as she was halfway to falling in love with him anyway?

Hanover Square Spare was initially titled, Earl of Standish, and was published on Jan 3, 2023, in Wicked Earls Forever. This edition includes exclusive bonus content and is book 1 of Annabelle Anders’ newest series, Rakes of Rotten Row.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Novella, Regency, Ebooks, Audiobook

163 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2023

About the author

Married to the same man for over 25 years, I am a mother to three children and two Miniature Wiener dogs.

After owning a business and experiencing considerable success, my husband and I got caught in the financial crisis and lost everything in 2008; our business, our home, even our car. 

At this point, I put my B.A. in Poly Sci to use and took work as a waitress and bartender (Insert irony). Unwilling to give up on a professional life, I simultaneously went back to college and obtained a degree in Energy Management.

And then the energy market dropped off.

And then my dog died.

I can only be grateful for this series of unfortunate events, for, with nothing to lose and completely demoralized, I sat down and began to write the romance novels which had until then, existed only my imagination.
After publishing over twenty novels now, with one having been nominated for RWA’s Distinguished ™RITA Award in 2019, I am happy to tell you that I have finally found my place in life.

Thank you so much for being a part of my journey!

To find out more about my books, and also to download a free novella, get all the info at my website!

www.annabelleanders.com
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Reviews

[🐝 Shaz 🐝 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two people under pressure from other people.
One to marry or go to Newgate for a crime he didn’t commit. The other from a violent father, who rules her life.
Cute story of two people finding love.❤️

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting story with The (new) Earl of Standish and Lady Marigold. The Earl is looking for a bride. He's not in good standing anywhere, but he is trying. Lady Marigold prospects are limited, so Lord Standish comes to her with a proposition - she can’t help but consider it.
I loved it! 5☆

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a terrible tragedy results in the loss of his father, brother, uncle and cousin, Reed Rutherford unexpectedly finds himself the new Earl of Standish. His name is mud amongst high society thanks to the circumstances of his inheritance, and in order to avoid a messy inquiry from the magistrate, Reed needs to marry well and immediately.

Lady Marigold Hathaway’s prospects are fairly dismal, despite her status as the daughter of a duke, because she is so undervalued by her father. When the new Lord Standish asks her to marry him within two days, Goldie can’t help but consider his outrageous proposal, though she’s skeptical about why he wants her all of a sudden when it’s her older sister who is the diamond of the season.

This was a fun, quick read with a slight twist on the marriage of convenience trope. I enjoyed the fast pacing and I think the instalove on the hero’s part worked here as the heroine helped him open his heart and accept his emotions. I enjoyed seeing Reed learn to open up and communicate with Goldie and I especially loved his standing up to her father. She had never really had someone to come to her defense like that, so it was nice to see her finally getting to experience what it’s like to be valued. The rapid pace of this story held my interest, which is definitely saying something given that nothing really has as of late.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...

[Rainelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love it when the writer gives you a story where the handsome gentleman falls head over hills for the girl with a lot of curves. I’m just going to say it. BAM! This was an awesome love story. The writer did a great job of giving us sweet characters like Goldie and Reed. These two motivations started off on different footing from the beginning. The plot moved the story at an easy pace for me. I then found myself flipping the pages as my interest grew the more Reed and Goldie tried figuring out how they are going accomplish the issues that have been placed before them. This is a wonderful short story to spend your time with. This is a thoughtful entertaining book. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, but action packed start to a new series that explores the Regency Period in England. I enjoyed it greatly and of course the Duke is a total douche.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
The Earl of Standish couldn't have a worse name. He's not in good standing anywhere. As the Duke of Crossing’s overlooked daughter, Lady Marigold Hathaway’s prospects are limited, at best. So when Lord Standish comes to her with a shocking proposition, she can’t help but consider it.
Originally published in Wicked Earls Forever this updated & extended edition introduces us to the Rakes of Rotten Row. I loved both Reed & Goldie, she’d had a crush on him the year before but now he really sees her & likes everything about her. A lovely read with strong characters, a fast paced & sizzling chemistry, I read this quick read in a sitting
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[VeeBlueberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those novellas that doesn't feel like it's rushed because it only has a few thousand words.

(I've read this as a part of an anthology entitled "Wicked Earls Forever")

I love the romance between Reed and Goldie. There's this palpable attraction between them and they took their time developing it into something more, something worthy of a novella.

I gave five stars coz I had a hard time putting this down. There were no dull moments. It is uncomplicated, too. I just wished for conclusion between Goldie and her family, that's all.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding way to begin a series.

He needs to marry her and marry her fast but after getting to know her, he doesn't want to pressure her into doing anything she doesn't want to do and he will honor her wishes. Even if it means destroying his own life.

She wants nothing more than a London season, but after the man of her dreams shows up and asks her to marry her and she sees he wants her for just who she is not just a marriage of convenience.

He is her shield and she is his foundation and they will face London and everything together regardless of what the ton say of his past.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end.


I received this book as a gift from the author in exchange for a voluntary review and these are purely based on my own personal experience and no one else's.

Thank you to Annabelle Anders for letting me review this story.

[Ashlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one in one sitting!! This is my first book by this author and I truly enjoyed the story! It was short book, but well written. I will definitely be checking out the rest of this series because this one was so good! I enjoyed the characters and the plot. Definitely recommend this one!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reed Rutherford, the new Earl of Standish, has no choice but to marry his now dead cousin's betrothal, the Duke of Crossing's oldest daughter. Only she's not in town. Lady Marigold is the Duke of Crossing's youngest daughter. She's been halfway in love with Reed since she met him almost a year ago. With his proposal to her instead, it's too soon to say yes, but Reed doesn't have time to wait. He could be in Newgate within three days. Her father's disregard forces Goldie to face her fears and reach for what she wants.
Open bedroom door.

[Lady Nilambari Reads HR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story, but I did not like that the heroine was an afterthought for the hero, not the first choice.

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

This was part of a bundle I purchased called WICKED EARLS FOREVER.

Such a touching story. The H lost 4 family members tragically, He is being looked at for being a murderer since he ends up inheriting being a Earl. The h is the second daughter who is being forgotten. Her sister is the diamond of the season and outshines her little sister.

Due to the H being looked at for possible murder he needed to marry right away to a Duke's daughter. The idea doesn't work out and he insteads marries the second daughter of the Duke. I loved the h and her sweet ways. She was torn to do right by her family and she secretly has loved the H for a year. There journey to get to their HEA was not easy.

Lovemaking within marriage - heat level 3 out of 5 and it was filled with love. I enjoyed this couple and felt a connection to them.

My wish was the author would give us a peek into the reaction of the h's father. Nothing was mentioned after the marriage. There was a hiccup at the end when the h reads something before the H explained things to her. I appreciated this wasn't a long drawn out miscommunication.

No cheating, romantic, HEA and tad of spice. This story ended at the 94% on my e-reader. (ljb)

[BookishMya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another entertaining read! Annabelle Anders never fails to draw you into the story. Reed never expected to be Earl of Standish, but life never truly goes as expected. In one tragic blaze, the lives of his Uncle, cousin, father & brother are lost, leaving him as heir. Reed has always taken care of his family, cleaned up behind the men of his family. He is honourable, kind and loving. Marigold has always been a second thought, second daughter of the Duke of Crossing. Surprises keep coming for Reed, for when he shows up to convince her sister to marry him, he is instead faced with Marigold. And the surprises continue as he finds himself drawn to her, caring for her and falling for her rapidly. Who would’ve thought that a marriage contrived in just a few days could turn into one of love and devotion? These two are perfect for each other. I loved their easy connection, their playful interactions. A highly entertaining read that keeps you flipping the page for every tasty bit.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was originally Earl of Standish from the Wicked Earl's Forever Anthology and later renamed. To be honest, I don't normally like to read anthologies. The reason is, I don't always read all the authors that write in them so I only end up only reading the authors I read on a normal basis anyway. Plus they tend to be more novellas which I am also not a fan.

This is my 35th book by Annabelle and I have been reading her since 2018. I also consider her one of my favorites. Reed and Goldie were a great read. I really liked their story. I just love Annabelle's writing.

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the Duke of Crossing’s overlooked daughter, Lady Marigold Hathaway’s prospects are limited, at best. So when Lord Standish comes to her with a shocking proposition, she can’t help but consider it.

This is the first book in the Rakes of Rotten Row series. It’s a bit a “race to the end” with a plot that takes off with a shot and doesn’t slow down. I was entertained, but with a lower page count everything felt rushed. Great filler book though, and I want to know what happens in book two.

Tropes: Unexpected Inheritance, Wallflower, Marriage in Haste

Steam: 2

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

A very enjoyable start to a new series from Annabelle.
This is a brightened up version of a previous story from a past book , and it’s very good lounging around material.
Great characters with lots of depth and detail in the background make for a very good story all .
round .
Looking forward to more .

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goldie and Reed! Sigh! I enjoyed their story, great characters and the storyline is great. I did read it when it was in the anthology and I love the added pieces to this story.
Definitely a 5 star read.

[aishareadsnrambles · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. Dual POVs
2. Opened Door Romance
3. Marriage of Convenience
4. Fast paced and a quick read
5. FMC fell first

[ToriLovesHea’s · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is actually the first Annabelle Anders book I’ve read and it was a delight! I actually really love a engaged to the wrong sister when it’s done like this (i.e. he’s only trying to marry her sister to save himself from Newgate but takes one look at the FMC and is like JK SHES THE ONE). And! I think this was the perfect length for a story that moves fairly quickly while still having fleshed out characters. It’s only 160-ish pages so a good toe dip to see if you like Anders’ style! Definitely a CW for an abusive father and negligent mother but nothing is explicitly done on page!

[BJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this story with evil father trying to bully his daughter. The H helps her to gain self confidence to help her stand up to her father. Sweet story

[Melinda Greathouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick and fun series starter by Annabelle Anders. It was slightly short on character development and it felt rather rushed, but that often happens with a shorter page count. It was an enjoyable read, though, and I felt like it set up her new series nicely. I’m looking forward to the next installment.

I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥 Hanover Square Spare 💍
The Rakes of Rotten Row
✒️Annabelle Anders
https://www.facebook.com/Annabelle.An...
Release Date 04/21/2023
➪ https://a.co/d/68VSgg8

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

Marriage of Convenience * Little Sister * Spare turned Heir

The Earl of Standish couldn't have a worse name. He's not in good standing anywhere, but with luck and the right bride, that should all change...
As the Duke of Crossing’s overlooked daughter, Lady Marigold Hathaway’s prospects are limited, at best. So when Lord Standish comes to her with a shocking proposition, she can’t help but consider it.
When everyone has always wanted her older sister, why would this handsome earl suddenly want her? And does it matter, seeing as she was halfway to falling in with him anyway?

Hanover Square Heir was initially titled, Earl of Standish, and was published on Jan.3, 2023, in Wicked Earls Forever. This edition includes exclusive bonus content and is book 1 of Annabelle Anders’ newest series, Rakes of Rotten Row.

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

I am always a sucker for beta heroes’ tale, and we have two as both hero and heroine are overlooked by everyone, quiet people always in the shadow.
Reed never expected to become the Earl, even less under such auspices, now under the scrutiny of the ton, he must make do and try to repair his family to avoid an even direr fate.
Goldie has spend her life knowing she will never be first in her parents’ schedule but now she is to have a season, she has some hopes even if she is aware her prospects are few.
So when Reed is faced with one ugly outcome or one less dramatic, he has no other choice when Goldie thought she had some, until she walks into a wall.
They are cute together, Reed sees her and is too honorable to force her into his scheme, despite the price he will have to pay if she rejects him. They also are able to talk and listen when mistakes they have made come to light, they might be angry or hurt but they are reasonable enough to open their mind to understand the whys behind their errors.
4.5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen foreplays and lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

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[Sandra Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating for Hanover Square Spare, by Annabelle Anders: 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.

This was the first book I've read by Annabelle Anders, and I was pleasantly surprised. It is the first in the Rakes of Rotten Row series. These books can be read standalone, but I believe they would be more enjoyable if read in order -- as they are about the romances of a group of friends, who are all believed to be rakes.

I liked Marigold (Goldie), and loved that she was willing to take a chance on Reed to prevent her father's plans for her. In that time period, women had very few choices, and were often expected to abide by their family's decisions -- so it was refreshing to have an h who tried to find her own happiness.

I also liked Reed, and felt bad for him that he was suspected of murdering his family. He didn't, but the scandal that he might have was making life for him and his sisters very difficult. I liked that he found a way to quiet the rumors with what he thought would be a marriage of convenience -- and ended up falling in love with his bride.

I also liked that the sex scenes were fairly tame -- I'm not a prude, and I enjoy sex scenes, but sometimes it is nice to read less explicit, more romantic scenes. I liked that it wasn't completely clean (those books are often too tame and can be a bit preachy), but was simply a really sweet romance.

I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series.

My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the new Earl of Standish is facing a major scandal regarding the death of multiple members of his family (all of whom were ahead of him in line for the title) he must find a way to change people's minds. The rumor going around is that he set the fire to kill all his predecessors so he needs a more scandalous rumor to replace it. He is given a chance to change the headlines by marrying a Duke's daughter. His cousin was engaged to Gardenia (a diamond) and she is his target but when she is out of town his thoughts turn to her younger sister Marigold (Goldie). This curvy, smart girl is looking forward to her come out but knows she is not going to be a popular choice.
Reed and Goldie had met before and she was already a little bit in love with him but she certainly didn't expect to have him propose. When he does and needs an answer ASAP she knows her father will not approve.
These two are thrown together by circumstances and yet, they seem prefect together. Reed wasn't raised to be part of the Ton and Goldie would never fit in there. Together, they find something in the other that goes beyond the requirement to marry and moves into a desire to marry. Little did they know that a forced marriage could turn into a true love match. When their Happily Ever After comes it truly is well deserved for both of them.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed Rutherford is the new Earl of Standish after losing four family members in a tragic accident - a position he doesn't want and worse yet is being looked upon as a suspect in their deaths. Our heroine is the youngest and overlooked daughter of the Duke of Crossings', Lady Marigold Hathaway. She is ignored, overlooked and forgotten by everyone, including her family, because her beautiful, older sister is the Ton's Diamond of the season.

When Reed's mother and three sisters' reputations are in danger because of the possible murders, he is called to a meeting of some very powerful men (one of them a university friend), and they insist he marry the betrothed of his now dead cousin in a few days to extinguish the flames of scandal and before the paper is published accusing him of the murders. The idea doesn't go as planned and he ends up proposing to the sweet, kind and intelligent younger sister, but it is all for the best. However, Goldie must make a decision; does she marry the gentlemen she has secretly loved since meeting him at her sister's betrothal announcement to his cousin a year ago or does she stay loyal to her family? The adventures to a HEA are not easy but what a great ending. I loved this couple and their story. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect story for a couple of hours. Not too complicated, not too many characters, but enough story to get to know and enjoy these two characters. A few more are introduced to set up for future installments, but the focus is on Reed and Goldie.

The four people ahead of Reed in the line of succession to the earldom are all dead, so the title is his. Unfortunately the rumors are swirling that Reed engineered this spectacular feat of (bad) luck. He never wanted the earldom.

His friends propose (blackmail him into) a scheme to quash the rumors—just create a different scandal to distract the ton. Marry a duke’s daughter. Immediately. The one his recently deceased cousin was engaged to.

The scheme proves trickier to implement than expected. The “bride” isn’t available. But her younger sister Goldie is.

I loved both characters, and look forward to the next installment of this new series. Several characters were introduced (Reed’s friend/club group). I received an ARC, and it was sent saying that it had originally appeared as a Wicked Earl’s Club story, but somehow I missed that one (I’ve read many of them, but there are lots). It is supposed to have been expanded, but I can’t comment on that since I didn’t read the original. I can say I enjoyed this one.

[Janet Denise Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS, EXCITING HISTORICAL ROMANCE

This is the beginning of a series with Book 1 in this well written fascinating storyline of 5 STARS in Annabelle Anders Series: The Rakes of Rotten Row. Great characters & a good BLURB. This is fast paced with lots of action & emotion packed

This starts the beginning of a mystery for the series: why did Reed's relatives all die in that fire, why is the Duke of Crossings so hostile towards him & insist he had something to do with it, & what is up with the 5 men West introduced him to bound to be seeing more of them in the coming series.

When 4 people die at the same time that clears the way for a simple Estate Manager to become the Earl, people are going to talk. Jealousy is going to run rampant causing ill will.

The Rakes suggested he marry the Duke of Crossings daughter to stave off the fire gossip. He could not marry his cousin's fiance because she was sent to mourn out of town. Now, he had pinned his hopes on the youngest but what would she do?

The mystery is great & the emotions between these 2 young people, Reed & Goldie are bright but delicate at the same time. Neither of them had ever been in this position before.

Loved this couple & these people. Enjoyed the read.


RECOMMEND

[Kat Tolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A WAY TO START A NEW SERIES!!! Hanover Square Spare by Annabelle Anders is the first in her new series The Rakes of Rotten Row. I can’t wait for the second in this series. What I found in Hanover Square Spare was a much more serious side to Annabelle’s writing. Don’t get me wrong as it is as good as any of her books which I am a huge fan but it did lack the wit that is usually in one of her books but just as good. I found this book to be easy to read, original, so very well written, had the real feel of the regency era, wonderful characters and the romance between Reed and Goldie just sizzled. Annabelle is one of the most talented writers of today and her books never disappoint. This story has a lady that means nothing to her father, a house party crush, an earl that is in suspicion of murder, needing to marry his cousin’s fiancé, being sent away in mourning, asking her sister to marry in desperation, a news article that is going to cause scandal, running away, protection, a loving family, family substance abuse, rescue and falling in love. I am very highly recommending this book!!!

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hanover Square Spare by Annabelle Anders is the first book in her Rakes of Rotten Row. It introduces us to Goldie and Reed. Reed found himself as the Earl of Standish which was a position he never wanted. To top it off, the men he succeeded died under suspicious circumstances so rumors are swirling.

Goldie is the second daughter of a duke. She’s been told she was second best for much of her life. She admired Reed from afar before he was the earl. Men whom I believe will be the other Rakes of Rotten Row gave Reed a dire warning which sets the events of the novella in motion.

Annabelle is so wonderful about creating characters with depth even in the shorter format. I felt a kinship with Goldie, and I genuinely cared about what happened to Reed. The tension she built when Goldie was struggling to make her decision was perfection! I’m looking forward to Piccadilly Player which will also include Goldie’s sister, Nia.

Hanover Square Spare was previously part of an anthology called Wicked Earls Forever. It’s now Book 1 of Rakes Rotten Row.

I received an ARC from the author. The opinions expressed above are my own.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction romance at it's finest

I adored the love story of Lady Marigold Carrington and Duke Reed Standish. Lady Marigold (Goldie) is the unwanted second daughter of a truly awful abusive father. Her father uses her as a servant and loves her older sister Gardenia (Nia). Nia was engaged to the former Earl Standish, Reed's cousin.
Reed's wasn't worried that he'd be the Earl of Standish because he was 5th in line for the Earldom. But when tragedy strikes his family and 4 of his male family members are killed in a hunting lodge fire, he has to leave his job as an estate manager to take on the Earldom. Which he does out of duty. He is told that he needs to marry quickly because their are rumors going around the ton that he started the house fire that killed his family members, including his Father and his brother. He is told to seek the hand of Lady Nia because she was betrothed to his cousin who died. When he goes to seek her out he runs into Lady Goldie.
This storyline is very interesting and the characters are beautifully written. I really enjoyed this book.