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A Worthy Wife
Love With A Perfect Stranger
Aurora Halle McPhee, a girl of humble (some might say unconventional) background, cannot believe her luck when she is betrothed to the dashing, well-bred Harland Podell. Aurora soon learns, however, that the match is too good to be true when the nuptials are interrupted--by the brother of the groom's wife!
Kenyon Warriner, Earl of Windham, is determined to foil that bigamous bounder Podell, before he disgraces another innocent female as he did Kenyon's own sister. The earl will save Miss McPhee's honor.
Even if he must wed her himself...
Aurora Halle McPhee, a girl of humble (some might say unconventional) background, cannot believe her luck when she is betrothed to the dashing, well-bred Harland Podell. Aurora soon learns, however, that the match is too good to be true when the nuptials are interrupted--by the brother of the groom's wife!
Kenyon Warriner, Earl of Windham, is determined to foil that bigamous bounder Podell, before he disgraces another innocent female as he did Kenyon's own sister. The earl will save Miss McPhee's honor.
Even if he must wed her himself...
214 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
45 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Metzger
93 books200 followersBarbara Metzger is the author of over three dozen books and a dozen novellas. She has also been an editor, a proof-reader, a greeting card verse-writer, and an artist. When not painting, writing romances or reading them, she volunteers at the local library, gardens and goes beach-combing and yard-saling.
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
Her novels, mostly set in Regency-era England, have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA, the National Reader's Choice Award, and the Madcap award for humor in romance writing. In addition, Barbara has won two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine.
Source: http://www.barbarametzger.com/about_b...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
July 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and give it a 4* I have heard of Metzger but haven't read any of her books and I don't know if she is still writing as this book was published in 2000. What a fun book that is a great way to spend an afternoon reading. There is nothing profound about it just some laughs and a bit of high jinks. This is probably a love it or leave it style book. A LOT of characters to keep track of and a bit of mystery are the only weak points.
June 22, 2015
Enjoyed this one! Witty, light, and sexy, with several small chuckles along the way. "The answer must lie in Bath, or tell the truth in Bath."
The suspense was a no-brainer. Figured the villain early. Maybe I was supposed to.
This one reminded me of an old favorite by this same author, Lady Sparrow. In Lady Sparrow, the wife tracks down her dead husband's illegitimate git. However, in this book, the wife tracks down the illegitimate -- and abandoned or heartsick -- wives of a bigamist she almost married.
In both books you have a warm-hearted heroine who adopts cast off maids and clerks and wounded vets, plus a menagerie of discarded animals -- monkey (now which other book had a monkey?), a dog, puppies, an abused horse, a cat, etc. Her husband goes a little nuts, watching his world spin out of control (but so sweet how it all falls into bliss). Classic Metzger! Lots of fun, and quite heartwarming.
Loved the secondary characters, especially Ned Needles and young Andrew.
Sexy ending! "God, I love it when you purr like that." (and the next line is your standard 1-2 punch)
Too much time spent separated from one another.
August 20, 2012
Reading this book left me feeling breathless at times – it was like watching a french farce and a screwball comedy at the same time!
Aurora McPhee is about to marry Harland Podell when the wedding is interrupted and the groom exposed as a bigamist (several times over). The Earl of Windham (whose sister had been Podell’s last “wife”) misinterprets her comment about “needing” a husband and, thinking she’s pregnant, offers to marry her himself. I admit, this first chapter or so had me rolling my eyes and thinking that perhaps this might be a book by Metzger that fell short of her normally high standards.
I’m happy to say that my fears were groundless. The description of the wedding is hilarious –
- And the rest of the book rattles along at a fair pace as Aurora adopts various waifs and strays, charms a grande-dame of the ton, effects a reconciliation between Windham and his son, nurses Windham through the mumps and generally turns his life upside-down – for the better, of course!
The dialogue sparkles, Aurora and Windham are charming and the secondary characters, like Ned, the pick-pocket-turned-groom are all well fleshed out.
I’d definitely recommend The Worthy Wife to anyone who likes a well-written, funny and charming HR.
Aurora McPhee is about to marry Harland Podell when the wedding is interrupted and the groom exposed as a bigamist (several times over). The Earl of Windham (whose sister had been Podell’s last “wife”) misinterprets her comment about “needing” a husband and, thinking she’s pregnant, offers to marry her himself. I admit, this first chapter or so had me rolling my eyes and thinking that perhaps this might be a book by Metzger that fell short of her normally high standards.
I’m happy to say that my fears were groundless. The description of the wedding is hilarious –
The bride was haggard in crumpled satin. The groom was heroically handsome in his buckskin breeches. Windham’s auburn hair was freshly combed and he had found time to get his boots shined. Still, he smelled of horse, which somehow made Aurora feel better. The earl was a mere man, not a visiting deity.
Instead of her wedding bouquet, which had been trampled in the earlier debacle and kept too long out of water at any rate, Aurora clasped a paper sack of peppermint drops. Lord Windham had returned with it, along with the special license, to settle her stomach, he’d said. Aurora clasped that small kindness to her heart, for courage.
While the vicar wended his slow way through the wedding service once more, Windham patted her hand and whispered, “I promise not to beat you, you know. My first wife died of the typhus. I was not in the same country at the time.”
- And the rest of the book rattles along at a fair pace as Aurora adopts various waifs and strays, charms a grande-dame of the ton, effects a reconciliation between Windham and his son, nurses Windham through the mumps and generally turns his life upside-down – for the better, of course!
The dialogue sparkles, Aurora and Windham are charming and the secondary characters, like Ned, the pick-pocket-turned-groom are all well fleshed out.
I’d definitely recommend The Worthy Wife to anyone who likes a well-written, funny and charming HR.
May 28, 2022
A fun read! The tone is pretty similar to Wedded Bliss.
November 26, 2022
Lovely, sweet with a touch of humour. I loved Aurora and her managing ways.
September 23, 2020
Excellent! It had the humor and heart of most of her books. I couldn't put it down! Aurora was adorable.
The only complaint I have is that the married couple don't consummate the marriage till the end ( a pet peeve of mine) . But the story was so entertaining that I overlooked this flaw.
The only complaint I have is that the married couple don't consummate the marriage till the end ( a pet peeve of mine) . But the story was so entertaining that I overlooked this flaw.
June 29, 2017
5 Stars
Oh my , What a delightful read. I cant wait to read more of Barbara Metzger.
Oh my , What a delightful read. I cant wait to read more of Barbara Metzger.
June 28, 2020
Sketchy beginning initially threw me off but instead of going bodice ripper, it veers toward absurd. I actually really liked the heroine and the fast pace. But I lost track of the side characters (and the outlaws, cits, and scheming relatives suddenly crowding the second half) so most of it felt out of Nowhere to be resolved Somehow by Something. I also couldn't stand the hero whose over-the-top-angst is rivaled only by his lustful attitude for his wife. (Literally, those are the only two personality traits he seems to possess.)
Memorable but I prefer the other books I've read by Barbara Metzger.
Memorable but I prefer the other books I've read by Barbara Metzger.
March 8, 2014
A wild ride of a book! Be prepared for a fast moving mystery plot, a fun romantic couple, an enormous cast of oddball secondary characters, many subplots, and lots of laughs. This is a true screwball comedy. Favorite line: "Holy herpetologist!"
August 10, 2023
This was a different read experience. So out of the ordinary. I am just sad that it was not a romance per se. He falls in love and all, but there's no romance romance, you know? It is a nice story, lots of life lessons, but I wish we had more after the last chapter.
3.5 stars.
3.5 stars.
September 30, 2013
This is a snowballing of hilarious circumstances that had me crowing and crying with laughter.
Sort of I Love Lucy-ish heroine, with a heart of gold, who enters into a marriage of convenience and collects misfits, including a man who is not an embezzler to be her husband's man of business, a highwayman she shoots by mistake, a monkey with poor impulse control (why in God's name did she say, 'Oh, what a nice monkey!"), a menagerie of in-laws she deals with brilliantly. Ms. Metzger keeps so many balls in the air, I became a bit breathless reading. The relationship between the hero and heroine takes a backseat to the general mayhem, but there was certainly enough to know they were well-suited if unlikely at the outset. A fun drawing room farce with a romance, too.
Given how prolific the author is, I look forward to reading more and more. Caz recommended this as one of her favorites of Metzger's and I can see why. Really, it's rollicking! And that is very hard to pull off.
Sort of I Love Lucy-ish heroine, with a heart of gold, who enters into a marriage of convenience and collects misfits, including a man who is not an embezzler to be her husband's man of business, a highwayman she shoots by mistake, a monkey with poor impulse control (why in God's name did she say, 'Oh, what a nice monkey!"), a menagerie of in-laws she deals with brilliantly. Ms. Metzger keeps so many balls in the air, I became a bit breathless reading. The relationship between the hero and heroine takes a backseat to the general mayhem, but there was certainly enough to know they were well-suited if unlikely at the outset. A fun drawing room farce with a romance, too.
Given how prolific the author is, I look forward to reading more and more. Caz recommended this as one of her favorites of Metzger's and I can see why. Really, it's rollicking! And that is very hard to pull off.
November 14, 2013
Miss Aurora Halle McPhee is a Bath miss of no importance. She's thrilled that the dashing, handsome Lieutenant Harland Podell has chosen to marry her. All Aurora's dreams seem to be coming soon but then the marriage is interrupted by someone who knows a secret about the groom. Kenyon Warriner, the Earl of Windham has just cause to prevent the wedding. Lieut. Podell is already married to Kenyon's sister! It seems Podell is a scoundrel who has left a trail of wives and broken hearts and taken fortunes. Kenyon assumes Aurora has been compromised and steps in to marry her himself. On their wedding night, he discovers just what he's gotten himself into. Aurora is an innocent young maiden with no interest in being married to him, so it seems. Aurora is nervous around the extremely attractive Earl. Can she ever live up to his expectations of her? The newlyweds settle in London to unravel the mystery of Aurora's birth and the reasons why Podell wished to marry her. Lady Anstruther-Jones is the source of gossip for the East India Company and her gossip comes with the most unusual of gifts. When Kenyon has to leave to rescue his brother from a French prison, he sends Aurora to his estate to deal with his moody sister and eccentric aunt. It's not easy for Aurora to take charge but she manages to do so amid a difficult situation. She makes some changes that result in a growing entourage of unusual companions. She can't wait for her husband to return home so they can pick up their married life right where they left off on their wedding night.
In my opinion, this is not one of Ms. Metzger's best stories. I really liked the animals and the crazy secondary characters. They provided a lot of laugh out loud moments. The mystery plot hooked me and I couldn't put the book down until I discovered the truth. I pretty much guessed along the right lines but it was still a surprise. The marriage of convenience plot did not interest me at all. They're all the same! I kept groaning because Aurora and Kenyon didn't share their real feelings or talk to each other. I also didn't like the main characters. Aurora is so young and innocent in the beginning of the story that I couldn't stand her, but as the story goes on, she grows up a lot and I found myself cheering for her and really liking her. That caused a problem because I did not like Kenyon. He's lusty and has a hot temper. I can not forgive him for seducing his innocent bride on their wedding night. He went too far, in my opinion. Then he refused to trust her or believe in her. In my opinion, Aurora deserved better. This story is more sensual than her earlier novels and the animals don't play a starring role but are more in the background to cause havoc and complicate the plot more. If you like marriage of convenience plots and Georgette Heyer's comedies, then you might like this one too. For me, it wasn't good enough.
In my opinion, this is not one of Ms. Metzger's best stories. I really liked the animals and the crazy secondary characters. They provided a lot of laugh out loud moments. The mystery plot hooked me and I couldn't put the book down until I discovered the truth. I pretty much guessed along the right lines but it was still a surprise. The marriage of convenience plot did not interest me at all. They're all the same! I kept groaning because Aurora and Kenyon didn't share their real feelings or talk to each other. I also didn't like the main characters. Aurora is so young and innocent in the beginning of the story that I couldn't stand her, but as the story goes on, she grows up a lot and I found myself cheering for her and really liking her. That caused a problem because I did not like Kenyon. He's lusty and has a hot temper. I can not forgive him for seducing his innocent bride on their wedding night. He went too far, in my opinion. Then he refused to trust her or believe in her. In my opinion, Aurora deserved better. This story is more sensual than her earlier novels and the animals don't play a starring role but are more in the background to cause havoc and complicate the plot more. If you like marriage of convenience plots and Georgette Heyer's comedies, then you might like this one too. For me, it wasn't good enough.
February 27, 2014
Not the book for me. I wanted to like this one, it had promise, but I stopped early on when it got a little too steamy and I worried the rest of the book would only get worse. I liked out heroine Aurora. She's naive, but endearing and has a good heart. I wanted to like Kenyon and maybe I would have if I had continued reading. But, I didn't like how he handled certain things.
The plot reminded me of Georgette Heyers Arabella (if I remember right) and I'd recommend reading that one instead.
Content
Romance: Not clean. Wedding night is fairly steamy, although does stop early on and not overly descriptive. Innuendo and I'm not sure after the first few chapters.
The plot reminded me of Georgette Heyers Arabella (if I remember right) and I'd recommend reading that one instead.
Content
Romance: Not clean. Wedding night is fairly steamy, although does stop early on and not overly descriptive. Innuendo and I'm not sure after the first few chapters.
February 11, 2013
Have you ever thought to yourself, "Wow, I love The Grand Sophy and Sylvester and The Little Princess, but I wish I could roll them all together and make them more frenetic"?
This is the book for you.
Also, there is a statistically significant number of fainting incidents. I sort of wanted to give everyone some juice and tell them not to donate blood so often. But it was repeated so often that it just got funny. Once I accepted that this book was not at all taking itself seriously, I stopped trying to parse it soberly, and could roll with the serial bigamist, the highwayman, the salamander-embroidered lingerie, the book of kama sutra, the monkey, and the abduction.
And in amongst all the froth, there are some genuinely fabulous moments and discussions about consent and deciding what you're going to do after something catastrophic happens. And also advocating for people who need glasses to wear them. But look at this passage about consent!
"She slapped his hand away, knowing where that could lead. “But you are too much the gentleman to take a woman against her will. And it would be against my will, my lord, even if you told my body otherwise.”
Take that, terrible werewolf book! Arousal is not consent.
Read if: You are in the mood for frothy and ridiculous and over-the-top.
Skip if: You are looking for Catherine-and-Heathcliffe levels of angst and drama.
Also read:
The Grand Sophy (warning for antisemitism)
Sylvester
A Little Princess
This is the book for you.
Also, there is a statistically significant number of fainting incidents. I sort of wanted to give everyone some juice and tell them not to donate blood so often. But it was repeated so often that it just got funny. Once I accepted that this book was not at all taking itself seriously, I stopped trying to parse it soberly, and could roll with the serial bigamist, the highwayman, the salamander-embroidered lingerie, the book of kama sutra, the monkey, and the abduction.
And in amongst all the froth, there are some genuinely fabulous moments and discussions about consent and deciding what you're going to do after something catastrophic happens. And also advocating for people who need glasses to wear them. But look at this passage about consent!
"She slapped his hand away, knowing where that could lead. “But you are too much the gentleman to take a woman against her will. And it would be against my will, my lord, even if you told my body otherwise.”
Take that, terrible werewolf book! Arousal is not consent.
Read if: You are in the mood for frothy and ridiculous and over-the-top.
Skip if: You are looking for Catherine-and-Heathcliffe levels of angst and drama.
Also read:
The Grand Sophy (warning for antisemitism)
Sylvester
A Little Princess
Read
July 10, 2016DNF about 35%
Kenyon is a creeper! I don't even care about the mystery, because both MCs are so lame.
Kenyon is a creeper! I don't even care about the mystery, because both MCs are so lame.
December 29, 2014
A classic Metzger.
It was fast paced, full of (mis)adventures and laugh-out-loud funny!
It was fast paced, full of (mis)adventures and laugh-out-loud funny!
July 14, 2025
This was an unexpectedly funny and cute read, off to more Barbara books
March 14, 2024
So far I have enjoyed this author. Unfortunately, not this time.
The premise of the story started off we,l enough. The Hero interrupts a wedding since the groom is a bigamist (falsely married the Hero’s own sister) and instead takes pity on the heroine and marries her himself.
It goes on from here but sadly dissolves into a confusing mess of eccentric characters, mysteries about the heroines real identity… its all meant to be mad cap and amusing but I was just exasperated!
Of course everything conspires to keep the main couple from consummating their attraction to each other, so its another level of frustration, not only for them but the reader. I kept thinking when would this end! 😩
I was sick and tired of all the different villains, the bungling rescues and the endless injuries suffered by the Hero! 🤦🏻♀️
Despite my skim reading it still took me several days to finish, and only because I do not like DNF’s so yes, as a testament to my constant distraction, it was up there.
As an engrossing read? 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻
The premise of the story started off we,l enough. The Hero interrupts a wedding since the groom is a bigamist (falsely married the Hero’s own sister) and instead takes pity on the heroine and marries her himself.
It goes on from here but sadly dissolves into a confusing mess of eccentric characters, mysteries about the heroines real identity… its all meant to be mad cap and amusing but I was just exasperated!
Of course everything conspires to keep the main couple from consummating their attraction to each other, so its another level of frustration, not only for them but the reader. I kept thinking when would this end! 😩
I was sick and tired of all the different villains, the bungling rescues and the endless injuries suffered by the Hero! 🤦🏻♀️
Despite my skim reading it still took me several days to finish, and only because I do not like DNF’s so yes, as a testament to my constant distraction, it was up there.
As an engrossing read? 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻
April 29, 2023
LOVE B. Metzger -BUT- this ain’t her best… still? Pretty sure she ain’t capable o’ duds!!!
A light 4-stars
My Full Review →
A light 4-stars
My Full Review →
September 13, 2013
*Book source ~ Many thanks to Untreed Reads for providing a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Aurora McPhee is about to marry the dashing and handsome Harland Podell when a stranger bursts through the church doors and declares Harland a bigamist, already married to his sister and another woman. The stranger, Kenyon Warriner, Earl of Windham, believing Aurora to be compromised decides to marry her himself. Thus begins an amusing course of events that turn sinister as Kenyon and Aurora discover she may have a sizeable inheritance she knew nothing about. Will they ever figure out who is behind the events and more important, will they ever get to settle into a proper marriage?
Ah, I know when I pick up a Barbara Metzger book I’m going to get an afternoon of entertainment with an unusual and amusing love story. The deliciously unconventional characters are so much fun to follow as they live their lives between the pages.
Aurora is a plucky intelligent girl raised in what is considered a rather unusual household for the times. Her aunt and uncle are basically environmentalists, but everyone else thinks they’re a bit loony. Kenyon is a take charge kind of guy whose life runs like clockwork. That is until he marries Aurora who creates chaos wherever she goes. There are many giggles and laugh out loud moments as Aurora and Kenyon try to make a life together even when everything conspires against them. All-in-all a delightful way to spend a few hours.
Aurora McPhee is about to marry the dashing and handsome Harland Podell when a stranger bursts through the church doors and declares Harland a bigamist, already married to his sister and another woman. The stranger, Kenyon Warriner, Earl of Windham, believing Aurora to be compromised decides to marry her himself. Thus begins an amusing course of events that turn sinister as Kenyon and Aurora discover she may have a sizeable inheritance she knew nothing about. Will they ever figure out who is behind the events and more important, will they ever get to settle into a proper marriage?
Ah, I know when I pick up a Barbara Metzger book I’m going to get an afternoon of entertainment with an unusual and amusing love story. The deliciously unconventional characters are so much fun to follow as they live their lives between the pages.
Aurora is a plucky intelligent girl raised in what is considered a rather unusual household for the times. Her aunt and uncle are basically environmentalists, but everyone else thinks they’re a bit loony. Kenyon is a take charge kind of guy whose life runs like clockwork. That is until he marries Aurora who creates chaos wherever she goes. There are many giggles and laugh out loud moments as Aurora and Kenyon try to make a life together even when everything conspires against them. All-in-all a delightful way to spend a few hours.
March 25, 2011
I felt that this book was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. I can relate well to Aurora in the way she reacts to her situations. The author is very good at playing with the words and phrases to create a fun symmetry in her writing. The side characters, though fun and often whimsical, are not overly deep. Much like a Shakespearean play, they are what they are and often get what they deserve.
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April 9, 2013
This book was so much fun - very melodramatic. I love books set in this time period. I really enjoy stories where someone can come along and turn a person's life upside down. For all these reasons I really enjoyed this book. Thanks for the recommendation and I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a light, funny read with adventure.
April 3, 2016
Una fantastica commedia romantica, divertente dall'inizio alla fine. Mi sarebbe piaciuta una descrizione più esplicita della loro prima notte insieme, nonché qualche altra scena tra i protagonisti (eroe ed eroina sono separati per circa metà del libro, e poi costantemente tenuti lontani da inghippi vari), ma a parte questo è stata una lettura praticamente ineccepibile.
June 25, 2021
This story is a Georgette Heyer rom-com crossed with a classic screwball comedy - not always successfully. There are good characters, some amusing situations and lots of unexpected twists. It would have been improved with a little more time given to the relationship of the lead characters, but otherwise a fun read.
April 23, 2022
This was classic Metzger. By the end of the story, I was half in love with our two protagonists too. She does an excellent job of painting a scene and throwing in comedic disruptions and her romance is quite sweet as well.
January 30, 2013
I thought this would be just an historical romance, but it was also a comedy. It was very witty an well written. I loved the characters and laughed the whole time.
December 30, 2020
A very very fun and funny book!! I loved the way the main characters interacted and how indefatigable the heroine is.
December 1, 2012
I am not a fan of ridiculous romance stories where the female characters are blinded by the beauty of the male characters and cannot help but fall madly in love at first sight (Gag!) But I do enjoy romance, just with spark and tension and honesty. Enter A Worthy Wife, between laughing hysterically and blushing at some of the more intimate moments between the two leads, I had a wonderful time reading this short novella!
Aurora is a young girl from a small town with barely any money to her family’s name and an innocent view on love. She’s giddy with excitement and nerves since it’s her wedding day to the handsome, Harland Podell. But just as the wedding is beginning, a man by the name of Kenyon Warriner, bangs down the door and stomps down the aisle, declaring the wedding cannot happen. Apparently, Harland Podell is a scoundrel of epic proportions since he’s attempting to marry Aurora while still being married to Kenyon’s sister! Harland is captured and kept under lock and key, bound to be sent back to his homeland of Jamaica where apparently, his real first wife’s family will be waiting for him. Poor Aurora is left at the altar, her reputation completely ruined and her heart shattered. While not if Kenyon has anything to say about it. He decides right then and there to marry Aurora, knowing the honorably duty must be done or Aurora will be shunned and unable to find a husband. Aurora to both her surprise and her family’s, accepts to marry Kenyon. But marriage isn’t exactly what Aurora thought it was going to be like and Kenyon discovers his innocent, little wife, has more sass than he bargained for.
Aurora was a sweet character. She has a big, loving heart and there is an innocence and vulnerability to her. But underneath that shy, quiet exterior is a girl who is more than willing to kick some male stubborn butt and face dangers most other women would faint over. She grows in confidence as the story progresses and learns to believe in her own worth better. Kenyon is stubborn as rocks! He is arrogant, wealthy and ill-tempered. But he also has a soft side to him. He’s honest, reliable, honorable and kind. In so many ways he is the opposite of Aurora and that worked out well for their new found marriage.
There is a good amount that happens throughout the story. Jumping right into a sudden marriage, Aurora completely forgot about the wedding night but Kenyon is all too happy to remind her. Except Aurora is having none of it much to Kenyon’s confusion and frustration. She refuses to consummate their marriage until they know each other better, no matter the amount of time it takes. I like that Aurora stood her ground and never gave in. No matter how much Kenyon tried to entice her or win her over, she spoke her own mind. She didn’t want to jump into a bed with a total stranger, even though she had jumped into a marriage with one. Aurora learns quickly from the impulsive decision and knows she wants a husband who will truly love her for her. Kenyon has no idea how to handle Aurora. He’s always confused by the way she reacts to things and what she does. It was incredibly funny to see his lack of understanding. He may know how to seduce a woman but not one with her own mind and who can be as stubborn as him.
The story moves along to Aurora finding a secret truth about her family that may end up destroying her new marriage before it’s even had time to settle. Kenyon’s family also enters the picture and they are not so thrilled he married some random girl from the country. Brianne, Kenyon’s sister, lacked class and maturity. I enjoyed Aurora putting her into her place ;) There’s also Lady Anstruther-Jones. She’s not family but the town gossip and can find information faster than a trained police dog. I also loved Ned! He is the little homeless boy Aurora decides to adopt without consulting her new husband and he’s just so cute! He’s also mischievous and very clever.
As for complaints, there are few. The pacing progresses while enough but the second half happens too fast. The reader isn’t given much time to really enjoy and grasp everything that happens within the story since as soon as something is solved, something new jumps right in. There was also an excessive amount of detail in a lot of scenes where it weighed down the fluidity of the story. I also became rather frustrated with how much of the story is TOLD to the reader which dampened the experience.
From Lady Anstruther-Jones giving Aurora a crazy, untamed monkey, to Brianne and Aurora heading to the rescue of another poor girl who was hoodwinked by Harland Podell and winding up nearly getting shot, to bringing home the robber who tried to rob their carriage because Aururoa accidently shoots him, to Kenyon’s son coming home and his brother returning from the war, the novella is filled with action and suspense. Aurora must learn how to balance Kenyon’s family, her new adopted pets, Ned and home while working to solve who her real family is and what exactly happened to her parents when they died.
It’s a story filled with intrigue, wonderfully built humor, an honest romance and absolutely ridiculously fun characters!
If you’re a fan of Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte or Gail Carriger, you will definitely find yourself falling in love with these characters and their story! Fans of Regency-era England or old-fashioned romance will devour every word!
Note: There are a few sensual scenes in the story. Although they are not overly graphic and are done tastefully, I would recommend no one under the age of sixteen to read.
Fun Moments From Inside A Worthy Wife
“Jumping to her feet, she stamped her foot. “I am not crying because I am not the real Aurora Halle McPhee, you dolt. I am crying because I am married to an autocratic, overbearing, unfeeling brute who didn’t even think to tell me that we have a son. I am crying because the man I thought was almost perfect is actually a pompous prig who doesn’t trust me enough to know who I am.” She pounded her fist on the top of his nearby lap desk. Then she flipped the lid back, knowing what she would find. She reached in and pulled out the proof. “You don’t believe me, you don’t approve of me, and you don’t even like me enough to admit that you wear spectacles!” ~Aurora
“If you drop me at the hotel, I shall ask the first gentleman I see to escort me to the dining room. I hope it’s that tobacco merchant.”
“What, the dirty dish who tried to look down your décolletage as we were leaving? I almost called him out then and there! Besides, supper with that shabster would destroy whatever reputation you might ever hope to have.”
“So would my husband’s visiting his former mistress in public view not three days after our wedding. We are still married in the eyes of the church, the law, and these thousand people. Unless and until you prove that I am not Aurora Halle, I am Lady Windham, your wife. You did swear to honor me at that ceremony, didn’t you? Well, there is no honor in shaming me before all of London.” ~Aurora and Kenyon at the theater
“I am beginning to get annoyed, boy-o,” the behemoth bellowed when Kenyon came at him again, this time with a blow to the breadbasket. Chubb grabbed him again and held him off the ground, at which Aurora decided it was time to act. She could feel her stomach lurching and refused to let her husband be vanquished while she vomited. So she picked up the nearest thing to hand, the stage pistol that had been used in the last act, and began beating Chubb about the knees, since she could not reach his brain box, which was too small a target anyway. The pistol went off in a harmless cloud of smoke and dust, but creating more panic in the onlookers. Aurora almost swooned herself, thinking she’d shot her husband. But Kenyon roared, landing a solid clout on Chubb’s ear, which caused the giant to drop both the earl, who banged his head against the table, and Lola, who fainted dead away. Aurora kept clubbing at Chubb with the gun. He raised his fist to brush her aside, but Ned leaped onto his back, placing his hands over the bully’s eyes. “Kick ’im in the privates, m’lady!” the boy shouted, so she did. While Chubb was doubled over, Windham coshed him over the head with a wooden chair, just in time for the Charleys to come haul him off.” ~Aurora, Kenyon, Ned, and Chubb (the guy threatening Kenyon’s ex who played a part in the play at the theater)
“I am more and more impressed with you, missy. Might even leave you something in my will.”
Lord, not the weapons collection, Kenyon prayed. Heaven alone knew what mayhem Aurora could create with an arsenal.” ~Kenyon and Lady Anstruther-Jones
“Until his lordship returns,” she told the maid, the same as she had told Aunt Ellenette and the other servants, “I am in charge. If I declare supper be served in the wine cellar, I expect Lady Brianne to be there. And do not think to cross me in this, to carry trays or fix meals yourself, for I write your pay check, not Mrs. Podell.” ~Aurora
Also, check out a sneak peek into A Worthy Wife: http://www.nerdalien.com/2012/11/book...
Aurora is a young girl from a small town with barely any money to her family’s name and an innocent view on love. She’s giddy with excitement and nerves since it’s her wedding day to the handsome, Harland Podell. But just as the wedding is beginning, a man by the name of Kenyon Warriner, bangs down the door and stomps down the aisle, declaring the wedding cannot happen. Apparently, Harland Podell is a scoundrel of epic proportions since he’s attempting to marry Aurora while still being married to Kenyon’s sister! Harland is captured and kept under lock and key, bound to be sent back to his homeland of Jamaica where apparently, his real first wife’s family will be waiting for him. Poor Aurora is left at the altar, her reputation completely ruined and her heart shattered. While not if Kenyon has anything to say about it. He decides right then and there to marry Aurora, knowing the honorably duty must be done or Aurora will be shunned and unable to find a husband. Aurora to both her surprise and her family’s, accepts to marry Kenyon. But marriage isn’t exactly what Aurora thought it was going to be like and Kenyon discovers his innocent, little wife, has more sass than he bargained for.
Aurora was a sweet character. She has a big, loving heart and there is an innocence and vulnerability to her. But underneath that shy, quiet exterior is a girl who is more than willing to kick some male stubborn butt and face dangers most other women would faint over. She grows in confidence as the story progresses and learns to believe in her own worth better. Kenyon is stubborn as rocks! He is arrogant, wealthy and ill-tempered. But he also has a soft side to him. He’s honest, reliable, honorable and kind. In so many ways he is the opposite of Aurora and that worked out well for their new found marriage.
There is a good amount that happens throughout the story. Jumping right into a sudden marriage, Aurora completely forgot about the wedding night but Kenyon is all too happy to remind her. Except Aurora is having none of it much to Kenyon’s confusion and frustration. She refuses to consummate their marriage until they know each other better, no matter the amount of time it takes. I like that Aurora stood her ground and never gave in. No matter how much Kenyon tried to entice her or win her over, she spoke her own mind. She didn’t want to jump into a bed with a total stranger, even though she had jumped into a marriage with one. Aurora learns quickly from the impulsive decision and knows she wants a husband who will truly love her for her. Kenyon has no idea how to handle Aurora. He’s always confused by the way she reacts to things and what she does. It was incredibly funny to see his lack of understanding. He may know how to seduce a woman but not one with her own mind and who can be as stubborn as him.
The story moves along to Aurora finding a secret truth about her family that may end up destroying her new marriage before it’s even had time to settle. Kenyon’s family also enters the picture and they are not so thrilled he married some random girl from the country. Brianne, Kenyon’s sister, lacked class and maturity. I enjoyed Aurora putting her into her place ;) There’s also Lady Anstruther-Jones. She’s not family but the town gossip and can find information faster than a trained police dog. I also loved Ned! He is the little homeless boy Aurora decides to adopt without consulting her new husband and he’s just so cute! He’s also mischievous and very clever.
As for complaints, there are few. The pacing progresses while enough but the second half happens too fast. The reader isn’t given much time to really enjoy and grasp everything that happens within the story since as soon as something is solved, something new jumps right in. There was also an excessive amount of detail in a lot of scenes where it weighed down the fluidity of the story. I also became rather frustrated with how much of the story is TOLD to the reader which dampened the experience.
From Lady Anstruther-Jones giving Aurora a crazy, untamed monkey, to Brianne and Aurora heading to the rescue of another poor girl who was hoodwinked by Harland Podell and winding up nearly getting shot, to bringing home the robber who tried to rob their carriage because Aururoa accidently shoots him, to Kenyon’s son coming home and his brother returning from the war, the novella is filled with action and suspense. Aurora must learn how to balance Kenyon’s family, her new adopted pets, Ned and home while working to solve who her real family is and what exactly happened to her parents when they died.
It’s a story filled with intrigue, wonderfully built humor, an honest romance and absolutely ridiculously fun characters!
If you’re a fan of Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte or Gail Carriger, you will definitely find yourself falling in love with these characters and their story! Fans of Regency-era England or old-fashioned romance will devour every word!
Note: There are a few sensual scenes in the story. Although they are not overly graphic and are done tastefully, I would recommend no one under the age of sixteen to read.
Fun Moments From Inside A Worthy Wife
“Jumping to her feet, she stamped her foot. “I am not crying because I am not the real Aurora Halle McPhee, you dolt. I am crying because I am married to an autocratic, overbearing, unfeeling brute who didn’t even think to tell me that we have a son. I am crying because the man I thought was almost perfect is actually a pompous prig who doesn’t trust me enough to know who I am.” She pounded her fist on the top of his nearby lap desk. Then she flipped the lid back, knowing what she would find. She reached in and pulled out the proof. “You don’t believe me, you don’t approve of me, and you don’t even like me enough to admit that you wear spectacles!” ~Aurora
“If you drop me at the hotel, I shall ask the first gentleman I see to escort me to the dining room. I hope it’s that tobacco merchant.”
“What, the dirty dish who tried to look down your décolletage as we were leaving? I almost called him out then and there! Besides, supper with that shabster would destroy whatever reputation you might ever hope to have.”
“So would my husband’s visiting his former mistress in public view not three days after our wedding. We are still married in the eyes of the church, the law, and these thousand people. Unless and until you prove that I am not Aurora Halle, I am Lady Windham, your wife. You did swear to honor me at that ceremony, didn’t you? Well, there is no honor in shaming me before all of London.” ~Aurora and Kenyon at the theater
“I am beginning to get annoyed, boy-o,” the behemoth bellowed when Kenyon came at him again, this time with a blow to the breadbasket. Chubb grabbed him again and held him off the ground, at which Aurora decided it was time to act. She could feel her stomach lurching and refused to let her husband be vanquished while she vomited. So she picked up the nearest thing to hand, the stage pistol that had been used in the last act, and began beating Chubb about the knees, since she could not reach his brain box, which was too small a target anyway. The pistol went off in a harmless cloud of smoke and dust, but creating more panic in the onlookers. Aurora almost swooned herself, thinking she’d shot her husband. But Kenyon roared, landing a solid clout on Chubb’s ear, which caused the giant to drop both the earl, who banged his head against the table, and Lola, who fainted dead away. Aurora kept clubbing at Chubb with the gun. He raised his fist to brush her aside, but Ned leaped onto his back, placing his hands over the bully’s eyes. “Kick ’im in the privates, m’lady!” the boy shouted, so she did. While Chubb was doubled over, Windham coshed him over the head with a wooden chair, just in time for the Charleys to come haul him off.” ~Aurora, Kenyon, Ned, and Chubb (the guy threatening Kenyon’s ex who played a part in the play at the theater)
“I am more and more impressed with you, missy. Might even leave you something in my will.”
Lord, not the weapons collection, Kenyon prayed. Heaven alone knew what mayhem Aurora could create with an arsenal.” ~Kenyon and Lady Anstruther-Jones
“Until his lordship returns,” she told the maid, the same as she had told Aunt Ellenette and the other servants, “I am in charge. If I declare supper be served in the wine cellar, I expect Lady Brianne to be there. And do not think to cross me in this, to carry trays or fix meals yourself, for I write your pay check, not Mrs. Podell.” ~Aurora
Also, check out a sneak peek into A Worthy Wife: http://www.nerdalien.com/2012/11/book...
January 9, 2024
This is one of the silliest Regency romances I've ever read. It begins with attempted bigamy, continues with an honorable offer of marriage, and the rest of the book is basically a series of hilarious c***blocks preventing the leads from consummating their marriage.
Along the way, there's a monkey, a highwayman, a kidnapping, multiple injuries, a surprising number of firearms, a case of mumps, two stolen inheritances, and a number of random impoverished people or starving animals whom the female lead picks up to add to the growing household. Yes, you read that correctly. All that happens in one book. That's why I call it silly: it's just one zany event after another.
Aurora reminds me a little of Arabella from the eponymous Heyer novel, in that she has a heart for the hurting and collects needy dependents the other female leads collect jewels. But unlike Arabella, she's actually competent, and her ideas about how to employ an injured soldier (exactly how many body parts is he missing?) or a clerk accused of embezzlement (she's convinced he's innocent!) generally end up working, sometimes even better than she intended. She even finds a use for the broken-down horse she bought!
Kenyon has a fairly typical backstory, being a widower whose previous wife had an affair and eloped with her lover. He's not sure he can love again, but this being a romance, he of course does. It's also a family story, though, so some of the changes of heart Kenyon experiences relate to other near and dear characters, not just his wife.
In case you can't tell from the rating, I actually really enjoyed this book. I recommend it, but readers deserve to go in knowing just how silly it is. It's the sort of story best described as a "romp." Don't take this novel too seriously, or you'll be disappointed, because there's not a ton of angst or emotional depth.
Don't expect steam/spice, either. It's fade to black. That's honestly my only complaint. After waiting so long to see Kenyon and Aurora finally go to bed together, readers deserved a *little* spice, IMO.
Along the way, there's a monkey, a highwayman, a kidnapping, multiple injuries, a surprising number of firearms, a case of mumps, two stolen inheritances, and a number of random impoverished people or starving animals whom the female lead picks up to add to the growing household. Yes, you read that correctly. All that happens in one book. That's why I call it silly: it's just one zany event after another.
Aurora reminds me a little of Arabella from the eponymous Heyer novel, in that she has a heart for the hurting and collects needy dependents the other female leads collect jewels. But unlike Arabella, she's actually competent, and her ideas about how to employ an injured soldier (exactly how many body parts is he missing?) or a clerk accused of embezzlement (she's convinced he's innocent!) generally end up working, sometimes even better than she intended. She even finds a use for the broken-down horse she bought!
Kenyon has a fairly typical backstory, being a widower whose previous wife had an affair and eloped with her lover. He's not sure he can love again, but this being a romance, he of course does. It's also a family story, though, so some of the changes of heart Kenyon experiences relate to other near and dear characters, not just his wife.
In case you can't tell from the rating, I actually really enjoyed this book. I recommend it, but readers deserve to go in knowing just how silly it is. It's the sort of story best described as a "romp." Don't take this novel too seriously, or you'll be disappointed, because there's not a ton of angst or emotional depth.
Don't expect steam/spice, either. It's fade to black. That's honestly my only complaint. After waiting so long to see Kenyon and Aurora finally go to bed together, readers deserved a *little* spice, IMO.
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