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Secret Brides #3
Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage
A Notorious Crime
A duchess awaiting trial for her vile husband’s murder is the most delicious gossip the ton has heard in years. But for Kate Townsende, the woman in question, it could be a matter of life and death. And when a shrewd and handsome nobleman offers to publish her side of the story while arranging for a barrister to take her case, she’s tempted by much more than the chance to defend herself…
A Shocking Desire
James Bancroft, Viscount Medford, tells himself he’s only interested in a bestselling pamphlet, but Kate’s stubborn determination is captivating. Could the accused widow be telling the truth? At first, James isn’t sure of anything besides his growing desire for her—but before long he’s willing to risk much more than his reputation to make the infamous beauty his wife…
A duchess awaiting trial for her vile husband’s murder is the most delicious gossip the ton has heard in years. But for Kate Townsende, the woman in question, it could be a matter of life and death. And when a shrewd and handsome nobleman offers to publish her side of the story while arranging for a barrister to take her case, she’s tempted by much more than the chance to defend herself…
A Shocking Desire
James Bancroft, Viscount Medford, tells himself he’s only interested in a bestselling pamphlet, but Kate’s stubborn determination is captivating. Could the accused widow be telling the truth? At first, James isn’t sure of anything besides his growing desire for her—but before long he’s willing to risk much more than his reputation to make the infamous beauty his wife…
323 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
30 people are currently reading
896 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Bowman
58 books1,591 followersValerie Bowman is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance.
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
May 21, 2021
This was my favorite of the trilogy, but there was a little too much back and forth to towards the end.
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August 31, 2014Finally! Medford's book!
October 12, 2013
Sometimes I really wonder at the standards of readers who give a book like this four or five stars. When you read an ACTUAL good book, how do you rate it? If every book you read is five stars, why are you even reviewing them? Enough about my reviewing philosophy. This is mediocre at best, and that's probably a little generous. If you want to see "Tell, don't show" in action, then I guess this is the five star book for you. If you'd prefer some subtlety and a decent plot, you should search elsewhere, because you won't find that here.
October 3, 2013
Posted on What I'm Reading
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
So, I spent most of my day devouring Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage, which is the latest release from Valerie Bowman. Ever since reading Secrets of a Wedding Night, I have always hoped Medford would get his own story. Here's why: I normally tend to go for rakes in romance, but there was something different about Medford. He was just so lovable and needed his own happy ending. After reading Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage there is a bit more to Medford than meets the eye.
At the beginning the story Medford goes to Kate Townsende, Duchess of Markingham, to see if she would be willing to write her side of the story. After all she was about to go to trial for the murder of her husband. However, Kate wasn't going give her story up for nothing, but she wanted some amenities for her cooperation. One of them being turnover to a peer and staying with them instead of the Tower. You know what, I would prefer being in house arrest than being locked up in some dingy tower. Once Kate is in the custody of Medford, they start to get to know each other. Of course feelings start to bloom.
I love Medford. He is one of those good-hearted heroes that you just have to love. Plus, you have to love him, because he's dubbed Lord Perfect. However, you learn more about the reason for being Lord Perfect in the story, and you kind of feel bad for the guy. Don't get me wrong, he's a really decent guy. Then you have Kate, who never really aspired to be a Duchess, but thought she fell in love with a Duke at a young age. Yes a bit naïve, plus catching the eye of the duke was a huge deal for her family. Yet, Kate learned a hard lesson about love, which was kind of heart breaking. By the time she was locked away for murder, you could see her spirit being crush by the marriage.
Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage is a scandalizing good read that will have you laughing and crying. Well, at least did for me. Yes, you have perfect hero who starts to realize perfect isn't ideal and heroine who is a walking scandal. So, if you are looking for a perfect hero to become scandalize by association, you might want to read Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage.
Side note: It's better to read these stories in order.
Copy provided by author
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
So, I spent most of my day devouring Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage, which is the latest release from Valerie Bowman. Ever since reading Secrets of a Wedding Night, I have always hoped Medford would get his own story. Here's why: I normally tend to go for rakes in romance, but there was something different about Medford. He was just so lovable and needed his own happy ending. After reading Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage there is a bit more to Medford than meets the eye.
At the beginning the story Medford goes to Kate Townsende, Duchess of Markingham, to see if she would be willing to write her side of the story. After all she was about to go to trial for the murder of her husband. However, Kate wasn't going give her story up for nothing, but she wanted some amenities for her cooperation. One of them being turnover to a peer and staying with them instead of the Tower. You know what, I would prefer being in house arrest than being locked up in some dingy tower. Once Kate is in the custody of Medford, they start to get to know each other. Of course feelings start to bloom.
I love Medford. He is one of those good-hearted heroes that you just have to love. Plus, you have to love him, because he's dubbed Lord Perfect. However, you learn more about the reason for being Lord Perfect in the story, and you kind of feel bad for the guy. Don't get me wrong, he's a really decent guy. Then you have Kate, who never really aspired to be a Duchess, but thought she fell in love with a Duke at a young age. Yes a bit naïve, plus catching the eye of the duke was a huge deal for her family. Yet, Kate learned a hard lesson about love, which was kind of heart breaking. By the time she was locked away for murder, you could see her spirit being crush by the marriage.
Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage is a scandalizing good read that will have you laughing and crying. Well, at least did for me. Yes, you have perfect hero who starts to realize perfect isn't ideal and heroine who is a walking scandal. So, if you are looking for a perfect hero to become scandalize by association, you might want to read Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage.
Side note: It's better to read these stories in order.
Copy provided by author
December 2, 2013
*I won this book through Goodreads FirstReads Giveaways.*
Actual rating 2.5 stars
This book...was just not my cup of tea.
I found I could not really care for either the hero or the heroine all that much as they didn't feel like three dimensional characters to me. The hero was too perfect at first (and by the time that facade cracked a little, it was too late), and it never bodes well for the heroine when her most defining trait seems to be her beauty. I am not sure more than five pages went by at a time when we weren't reminded how exquisite she was.
The book was slow to get going, but did get much better during the middle sections, before losing me again at the end. I think the murder was resolved way too easily and too soon, and the last quarter or so of the book was a bit too melodramatic with the push and pull between the H/h for my personal taste.
And...I'm actually pretty good at suspending my disbelief when reading, but there were instances in this book that really strained that ability. The whole ball thing was the biggest one. It totally took me out of the story.
Actual rating 2.5 stars
This book...was just not my cup of tea.
I found I could not really care for either the hero or the heroine all that much as they didn't feel like three dimensional characters to me. The hero was too perfect at first (and by the time that facade cracked a little, it was too late), and it never bodes well for the heroine when her most defining trait seems to be her beauty. I am not sure more than five pages went by at a time when we weren't reminded how exquisite she was.
The book was slow to get going, but did get much better during the middle sections, before losing me again at the end. I think the murder was resolved way too easily and too soon, and the last quarter or so of the book was a bit too melodramatic with the push and pull between the H/h for my personal taste.
And...I'm actually pretty good at suspending my disbelief when reading, but there were instances in this book that really strained that ability. The whole ball thing was the biggest one. It totally took me out of the story.
November 11, 2013
Clever, witty, sweet, and fun, Valerie Bowman's latest was a treat. The third book in her Secret Brides series, we finally got to see the love story of James, Lord Medford, Lily and Annie's good friend. My thoughts:
I hadn’t given much thought to Lord Medford (James) before this book as he always seemed like a background character in the first two books, a sort of matchmaker up to some mischief. But he turned out to be a man of outward control and perfection—they called him “Lord Perfect,”“The Lord of All Rule Following,” and “Viscount of Flawnessness"—with a streak of willfulness and the desire to do good. I had liked him very much in the last two books and found him to be a mystery that would be fun to unravel. For my full review on my blog: http://bit.ly/1fwz0yP
I hadn’t given much thought to Lord Medford (James) before this book as he always seemed like a background character in the first two books, a sort of matchmaker up to some mischief. But he turned out to be a man of outward control and perfection—they called him “Lord Perfect,”“The Lord of All Rule Following,” and “Viscount of Flawnessness"—with a streak of willfulness and the desire to do good. I had liked him very much in the last two books and found him to be a mystery that would be fun to unravel. For my full review on my blog: http://bit.ly/1fwz0yP
May 24, 2020
Book 3 and somehow better than the first 2. Medford has been known as Lord Perfect through the series, a friend to Lily and Annie. He secretly publishes pamphlets that are thought to be scandalous. He doesn't drink.or gamble and seems to be a paragon. We find out why later in the book, though we are given hints. The book begins in a prison where Kate has been accused of killing her husband a Duke. I must admit there is a lot that doesn't make sense, they had an unhappy marriage and she has been left in the country and he comes back with his mistress but will not divorce her, so how is he going to get an heir. Anyway, Medford has a plan to have her write a pamphlet for him for which he will pay her and can hire a lawyer. Then he meets her and is stunned by her beauty and decides to parole her in his house. Lily and Annie from the previous books befriend her. There are a lot of misunderstandings, quite a few reveals, and eventually our HEA.
October 31, 2013
James Bancroft, Viscount Medford, also known as Lord Perfect, has a sparkling reputation in the ton. He always does the right thing and is very precise and proper in all his dealings. But what Society doesn't know is that Medford owns a printing press that distributes scandalous pamphlets. And he wants his next booklet to be written by Kate, the duchess of Markingham, who is being held in the Tower of London, accused of murdering her husband.
Kate is innocent but she despairs of being able to prove it as she has been already convicted in the minds of Society. She decides to negotiate with Medford: if he helps her with her defense, she will write the pamphlet for him.
This book just did not do it for me. I had read the other two books in the series and thought they were okay, with the second one being better than the first. Plus, I really liked Medford in the other two. So I had high hopes of liking this book. Kate, to me, was just such a victim throughout the entire book. She couldn't make a decision and stick with it, but kept changing her mind back and forth. One moment she would act like a true lady, and then other times like a squealing farm girl. I couldn't see what Medford found attractive in her except for her looks.
And, things happened in the book that I don't think would happen in that time period. I don't mind stretching the mores of Society a bit, but parts went too far for me, which pulled me out of the story. For example, at one point Kate invites a chambermaid to go put on her best dress and join Kate and Medford for some dancing. What?! Kate should have known better than to ask and this was Medford's servant! The maid should know not to actually show up for dancing!
Also, the murder mystery was solved about 3/4 of the way through and was very anti-climatic. The book ends with several public displays of affection between Kate and Medford that just made me wince. This story was just not my cup of tea.
Kate is innocent but she despairs of being able to prove it as she has been already convicted in the minds of Society. She decides to negotiate with Medford: if he helps her with her defense, she will write the pamphlet for him.
This book just did not do it for me. I had read the other two books in the series and thought they were okay, with the second one being better than the first. Plus, I really liked Medford in the other two. So I had high hopes of liking this book. Kate, to me, was just such a victim throughout the entire book. She couldn't make a decision and stick with it, but kept changing her mind back and forth. One moment she would act like a true lady, and then other times like a squealing farm girl. I couldn't see what Medford found attractive in her except for her looks.
And, things happened in the book that I don't think would happen in that time period. I don't mind stretching the mores of Society a bit, but parts went too far for me, which pulled me out of the story. For example, at one point Kate invites a chambermaid to go put on her best dress and join Kate and Medford for some dancing. What?! Kate should have known better than to ask and this was Medford's servant! The maid should know not to actually show up for dancing!
Also, the murder mystery was solved about 3/4 of the way through and was very anti-climatic. The book ends with several public displays of affection between Kate and Medford that just made me wince. This story was just not my cup of tea.
November 18, 2013
Valerie Bowman's Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage is the first of the series that I have read but it won't be the last! I was impress enough that I want to read all of her books - current and future.
We meet Kate when the entire world seems to be convinced she murdered her estranged husband. She is locked in the Tower of London awaiting trial. James has a secret press and has made money publishing pamphlets of a scandalous nature. He wants Kate to write one so that her story can be put out to the public and, or course, so he can make some money. They come to an agreement where Kate is released into James' custody so that she can enjoy freedom for a short time before facing her execution.
As with any good - or in this case excellent - romance the hero and heroine get to know and trust each other and despite their best intentions fall in love. Both are willing to sacrifice for the other including Kate returning to the tower to protect James from the fallout of harboring her. Everything works out in the end, but not without more secrets coming out - including a surprising reveal of the killer.
It is a great romantic novel that allowed me to escape from reality while I was reading.
I received this book as a GoodReads First Read.
We meet Kate when the entire world seems to be convinced she murdered her estranged husband. She is locked in the Tower of London awaiting trial. James has a secret press and has made money publishing pamphlets of a scandalous nature. He wants Kate to write one so that her story can be put out to the public and, or course, so he can make some money. They come to an agreement where Kate is released into James' custody so that she can enjoy freedom for a short time before facing her execution.
As with any good - or in this case excellent - romance the hero and heroine get to know and trust each other and despite their best intentions fall in love. Both are willing to sacrifice for the other including Kate returning to the tower to protect James from the fallout of harboring her. Everything works out in the end, but not without more secrets coming out - including a surprising reveal of the killer.
It is a great romantic novel that allowed me to escape from reality while I was reading.
I received this book as a GoodReads First Read.
November 2, 2013
This is the third in the Secret Brides series. Kate is imprisoned, accused of murdering her husband--a Duke. She will most likely be hanged if the truth is not unearthed. James, Viscount Medford, known as Lord Perfect to his friends, has a secret side business in the press--not done by a member of the ton. He feels Kate's story will make a sensational pamphlet for printing, and it could help unearth the truth.
After gaining Kate temporary freedom while a barrister and runner try to find the real killer and save her from certain death, Kate attempts to write her story, and living what time she has left feeling free. This freedom loosens up James, too. As they come closer to learning all the secrets to each other's past, they turn to each other, but the association endangers their lives.
Once the truth is out about her innocence, they must learn to overcome the past, to find a way back to each other, revealing their love before it's too late. The twist in this story is the pamphlet published is not the one written by Kate, but the one by written by James.
Loved this story as Valerie has become a favorite new author!
After gaining Kate temporary freedom while a barrister and runner try to find the real killer and save her from certain death, Kate attempts to write her story, and living what time she has left feeling free. This freedom loosens up James, too. As they come closer to learning all the secrets to each other's past, they turn to each other, but the association endangers their lives.
Once the truth is out about her innocence, they must learn to overcome the past, to find a way back to each other, revealing their love before it's too late. The twist in this story is the pamphlet published is not the one written by Kate, but the one by written by James.
Loved this story as Valerie has become a favorite new author!
August 9, 2013
What happens when a duchess with a dangerous past and a viscount known for perfection meet? A reader stays up all night!!
Kate Townsende, the Duchess of Markingham, has been accused of her husband's murder and locked in the Tower to await her trial. With a guilty verdict nipping at her heels, Kate has no other choice but to accept James Bancroft's shocking proposal: write a pamphlet in exchange for help with her defense.
James Bancroft, Viscount Medford, wants only to print the Kate's scandalous tale and reap the profits. Little did he know the time spent with the witty and charming duchess would make him fall head over Hessians in love. As the trial date looms, James is forced to decide between his pristine reputation and defending the woman who stole his heart.
SECRETS OF A SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE is the third book in Valerie Bowman's Secret Brides Series and a true delight to read. The characters are fresh and quirky. The romance is heartfelt and genuine. Reaching THE END is a guaranteed smile! (An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Kate Townsende, the Duchess of Markingham, has been accused of her husband's murder and locked in the Tower to await her trial. With a guilty verdict nipping at her heels, Kate has no other choice but to accept James Bancroft's shocking proposal: write a pamphlet in exchange for help with her defense.
James Bancroft, Viscount Medford, wants only to print the Kate's scandalous tale and reap the profits. Little did he know the time spent with the witty and charming duchess would make him fall head over Hessians in love. As the trial date looms, James is forced to decide between his pristine reputation and defending the woman who stole his heart.
SECRETS OF A SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE is the third book in Valerie Bowman's Secret Brides Series and a true delight to read. The characters are fresh and quirky. The romance is heartfelt and genuine. Reaching THE END is a guaranteed smile! (An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.)
October 30, 2013
So it only took me a matter of four hours and fifty-eight minutes but I finished Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage by Valerie Bowman. I received the book a few days ago after winning it in one of the first-read giveaways. What truly amazed me was how successfully the author managed to swap the roles of the main characters. In most romances, historical or other-wise, it is the man with the scandalous reputation and woman with a virtue to protect. Kate Townsende is a woman with a tattered reputation and James Bancroft does all he can to maintain the moniker Lord Perfect. That is until Bancroft, the Viscount Medford, decides to let Kate, the Duchess of Markingham, a woman accused of murdering her husband, write her side of the story for the whole of London to read. The tale is quite amazing and I can't wait to read the previous titles in the series.
November 6, 2013
I am so glad James got his HEA..he intrigued me from the very first book in the series! He is not the usual rakish kind of hero instead a very prim n proper guy known as 'Lord Perfect' and how his penchant to fix everything lands him in the midst of the biggest scandal at the time is the story you will enjoy!
October 24, 2013
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. It is a historical love story with a touch of a murder mystery. The hero is a rigid, unsentimental peer determined to remain untouched by such a thing as love. It only takes a brief meeting with a beautiful, accused murderess to turn his well-ordered life upside down. It seems he does have one weakness. He can't help rescuing those who need help. I never had read Valerie Bowman before and enjoyed this book.
October 1, 2013
I was lucky to receive an arc of this book. Medford is my favorite character in all three of the "Secrets of" books and I am pleased to say that his story does not disappoint. Medford is described as "He cannot help but rescue a damsel in distress." Kate is the perfect damsel for him. I also appreciated seeing Lily and Annie throughout the book. Overall this was a delight to read.
October 17, 2013
This is one book that I just couldn't read fast enough. I DEVOURED this book. I loved the way it ended- while it did end in happily ever after, it didn't end in the normal way historical romances do, with the bad guy being discovered and ta-dah everyone is happy- it went on beyond that which I LOVED. It really is just a wonderful book that if you like historical romances, you should read.
June 30, 2013
I love anything by Valerie, and this is no exception. The heroine is in the Tower for murdering her rotter of a husband. The hero writes pamphlets about scandals. You can guess the ending- fun, frivolity and sex ensue.
November 4, 2013
Just like the first two books in the series, a cute, quick romp that I didn't want to end!
October 17, 2013
Great crom start to finish. The who done it and why was the most fun part.
November 17, 2013
Oh so good, loved this one the best :-)
October 17, 2013
Fabulous and delightful story.
October 14, 2013
Set Valerie Bowmon as an auto buy!
October 14, 2013
Loved this! It was so great to see Medford finally find happiness.
November 15, 2013
Best in series! Love!
October 9, 2013
Just need two words for this one: LOVED IT!
January 25, 2026
Rating: 3.5/5
I started this series with low expectations. I simply hated Book 1; the couple was awful to me. The only one who caught my eye was Medford. I know most people have a soft spot for reformed rakes, but my type is definitely the nerd, the "perfect" guy, the kind who seems to be hiding a more intense side. I became obsessed with the “Perfect Lord” and feared he wouldn't get his own book, so when I finally found this one, I was very happy.
I must say that in the first book, I appreciated the interactions between James and Lily. I’d go as far as to say they had chemistry, even though the author insisted in every line that there was no romantic tension, just friendship.
Of the trilogy, I confess the second book is the best. I thought the author captured the moments between Jordan and Annie well; it wasn't just about physical attraction. I expected the same thing in James and Kate’s book, but unfortunately, she didn't recreate that delicious tension that leaves you yearning. It felt very shallow, just physical attraction. Kate is stunning and Medford is delicious too, but in my view, the author lacked the care to create more romantic tension. I loved the scene where he takes her away from the prison on horseback; I found it very sensual and interesting. Another incredible scene was when Kate was playing the piano—I was rooting so hard for them to kiss, and it was actually great that they didn't.
I felt there were moments where they were too formal and then suddenly they were making out. Anyway, my expectations were high. The couple has chemistry, but they lacked something substantial, and at the same time, they had few intimate moments. Man, I hated the epilogue. I wanted to see them making a mess of the bed, the "perfect lord" sleeping in late—I expected something like that. I thought the author included too much of the other characters—Lily, Devon, Annie, and Jordan. I found it annoying. Medford made very few appearances in the previous books, and suddenly in his own book, it was full of these people who already had their turn.
Anyway, we can't have everything. I just think he deserved more. To me, he was a secondary character who always stood out, and I wanted him for myself. I wanted Kate pregnant by him. The author doesn't seem to like pregnancy much; does no one have kids in this series? It’s weird, considering there weren't very effective contraceptive methods, and if they existed, they would only be used with mistresses, not wives. James is a "green flag" hero; he didn't annoy me like the others, and I felt bad for him when Kate rejected him and ran away. Even though he rejected her too, his apology via the marriage proposal in the newspaper was incredible.
Curiously, the couple that spent the most time together didn't have that many hot scenes, which was kind of disappointing for me. I was curious if our perfect Medford had a lot of tricks in bed. I thought it was cute when Kate said she was jealous of his previous lovers and he claimed he wasn't a ladies' man. Kate is a heroine who didn't captivate me that much. In the beginning, she seemed bolder and more provocative, but then that personality faded a bit. It was as people said: she kept fluctuating between being a duchess and a country girl (with the latter prevailing). That bothered me a little, but not enough to make me hate her—she just wasn't very captivating. Though not as bad as Lily, for whom I have chronic indifference, and here she annoyed me once again when she messed everything up.
I started this series with low expectations. I simply hated Book 1; the couple was awful to me. The only one who caught my eye was Medford. I know most people have a soft spot for reformed rakes, but my type is definitely the nerd, the "perfect" guy, the kind who seems to be hiding a more intense side. I became obsessed with the “Perfect Lord” and feared he wouldn't get his own book, so when I finally found this one, I was very happy.
I must say that in the first book, I appreciated the interactions between James and Lily. I’d go as far as to say they had chemistry, even though the author insisted in every line that there was no romantic tension, just friendship.
Of the trilogy, I confess the second book is the best. I thought the author captured the moments between Jordan and Annie well; it wasn't just about physical attraction. I expected the same thing in James and Kate’s book, but unfortunately, she didn't recreate that delicious tension that leaves you yearning. It felt very shallow, just physical attraction. Kate is stunning and Medford is delicious too, but in my view, the author lacked the care to create more romantic tension. I loved the scene where he takes her away from the prison on horseback; I found it very sensual and interesting. Another incredible scene was when Kate was playing the piano—I was rooting so hard for them to kiss, and it was actually great that they didn't.
I felt there were moments where they were too formal and then suddenly they were making out. Anyway, my expectations were high. The couple has chemistry, but they lacked something substantial, and at the same time, they had few intimate moments. Man, I hated the epilogue. I wanted to see them making a mess of the bed, the "perfect lord" sleeping in late—I expected something like that. I thought the author included too much of the other characters—Lily, Devon, Annie, and Jordan. I found it annoying. Medford made very few appearances in the previous books, and suddenly in his own book, it was full of these people who already had their turn.
Anyway, we can't have everything. I just think he deserved more. To me, he was a secondary character who always stood out, and I wanted him for myself. I wanted Kate pregnant by him. The author doesn't seem to like pregnancy much; does no one have kids in this series? It’s weird, considering there weren't very effective contraceptive methods, and if they existed, they would only be used with mistresses, not wives. James is a "green flag" hero; he didn't annoy me like the others, and I felt bad for him when Kate rejected him and ran away. Even though he rejected her too, his apology via the marriage proposal in the newspaper was incredible.
Curiously, the couple that spent the most time together didn't have that many hot scenes, which was kind of disappointing for me. I was curious if our perfect Medford had a lot of tricks in bed. I thought it was cute when Kate said she was jealous of his previous lovers and he claimed he wasn't a ladies' man. Kate is a heroine who didn't captivate me that much. In the beginning, she seemed bolder and more provocative, but then that personality faded a bit. It was as people said: she kept fluctuating between being a duchess and a country girl (with the latter prevailing). That bothered me a little, but not enough to make me hate her—she just wasn't very captivating. Though not as bad as Lily, for whom I have chronic indifference, and here she annoyed me once again when she messed everything up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2026
I'll start by admitting that I read the first two books in this series so long ago that I don't remember anything about them. Thankfully, that didn't really matter, even though the main characters of those stories played a major role in this one. Bowman did a nice job of immediately giving us the relevant information when they were introduced and the story still made sense without remembering their installments.
This story really felt unique. Sure, I've read a few historical romances where murder was involved (though that is rare), but I can't say I've ever read one that opened in a cell in the Tower of London, with a heroine accused of murdering her husband. It's an attention-getting starter, to be sure. If you're here for the mystery, I'm going to tell you right now that it's mystery-lite. Yes, it's a major plot point, but it's more of a B plot and is resolved sooner than you would think.
I quite enjoyed these leads. Kate is an unlucky woman who happened to be a beautiful debutante. She caught the eye of a Duke, who married her before they realized they didn't suit. And for the next ten years, Kate was essentially exiled to her husband's country estate. No family, no friends. And now that she's in prison and could be executed soon, all she wants is to live. To do the things she loves and/or hasn't been able to do in ages. She's almost resigned to her fate because she truly believes the world is against her...and that kind of makes sense. It's almost self-sacrificing to the point of martyrdom, but she walks that line so you can understand that she's doing what she's doing because otherwise someone gets hurt.
James is known as Lord Perfect because he's just that organized and meticulous. Everything is planned to a T where he's concerned. He's a strict rule follower and his reputation is immaculate, except for the fact that he secretly owns a printing press that publishes the most scandalous stories he can find. Kate's story is sure to make the ton talk, and he wants her side of things. In some ways, he resents his sterling reputation, but he is incredibly thoughtful and caring. It's all tied up in his perfectionism.
As a romance, this was such a good slow burn. Kate and James should not be together. She's an accused murderess who just lost her husband. She should be in mourning. James's reputation would be in tatters if anyone learned about it. They try to fight their attraction to each other as long as they can--and even after they can't--but this is a romance novel so I think you can guess how things end.
While there were some moments that I felt detracted from the story for being too fantastical, there was a real sense of danger communicated through the tension between them. London is in an uproar about the murder of a Duke and Kate is in terrible danger. The closer James gets to her, the more danger he's in as well. They're both very aware of this and it heightened the suspense in a fun way. It also helped make a lot of Kate's actions feel more understandable because truly, people could be killed for helping her and she knows it. Her self-sacrificing ways come to the forefront with this.
It's a solid historical romance. Its rare premise and wonderful characters made this a great read, but the moments that stretched credulity really took me out of the otherwise excellent story.
This story really felt unique. Sure, I've read a few historical romances where murder was involved (though that is rare), but I can't say I've ever read one that opened in a cell in the Tower of London, with a heroine accused of murdering her husband. It's an attention-getting starter, to be sure. If you're here for the mystery, I'm going to tell you right now that it's mystery-lite. Yes, it's a major plot point, but it's more of a B plot and is resolved sooner than you would think.
I quite enjoyed these leads. Kate is an unlucky woman who happened to be a beautiful debutante. She caught the eye of a Duke, who married her before they realized they didn't suit. And for the next ten years, Kate was essentially exiled to her husband's country estate. No family, no friends. And now that she's in prison and could be executed soon, all she wants is to live. To do the things she loves and/or hasn't been able to do in ages. She's almost resigned to her fate because she truly believes the world is against her...and that kind of makes sense. It's almost self-sacrificing to the point of martyrdom, but she walks that line so you can understand that she's doing what she's doing because otherwise someone gets hurt.
James is known as Lord Perfect because he's just that organized and meticulous. Everything is planned to a T where he's concerned. He's a strict rule follower and his reputation is immaculate, except for the fact that he secretly owns a printing press that publishes the most scandalous stories he can find. Kate's story is sure to make the ton talk, and he wants her side of things. In some ways, he resents his sterling reputation, but he is incredibly thoughtful and caring. It's all tied up in his perfectionism.
As a romance, this was such a good slow burn. Kate and James should not be together. She's an accused murderess who just lost her husband. She should be in mourning. James's reputation would be in tatters if anyone learned about it. They try to fight their attraction to each other as long as they can--and even after they can't--but this is a romance novel so I think you can guess how things end.
While there were some moments that I felt detracted from the story for being too fantastical, there was a real sense of danger communicated through the tension between them. London is in an uproar about the murder of a Duke and Kate is in terrible danger. The closer James gets to her, the more danger he's in as well. They're both very aware of this and it heightened the suspense in a fun way. It also helped make a lot of Kate's actions feel more understandable because truly, people could be killed for helping her and she knows it. Her self-sacrificing ways come to the forefront with this.
It's a solid historical romance. Its rare premise and wonderful characters made this a great read, but the moments that stretched credulity really took me out of the otherwise excellent story.
June 8, 2017
Tl:dr Synopsis: Duchess is accused for murdering her husband, Vicsount believes her and wants her story for his newspaper. He falls in love with her and wants to help her in anyway possible.
Review: It's barely ok. The book and characters started off strong and really interesting but halfway denigrated into crap. Maybe that sounds harsh but I was not impressed with the dialogue (anachronistic) and repetitive nature of the conversation - nor did I appreciate the change in the heroine who became so weak and annoying in personality. The internal monologues she would give herself were so tedious to read - "live live live, courage courage courage"..... omgggggg even these thought concepts are anachronistic. Also I think other than saying she was going to live repeated a hundred times overused sentences include "do you really think I'm innocent???" "She pinched herself" (this was really stupid and ridiculous, constantly pinching herself for nonsense), and perfect this order that perfect perfect Lord perfect. I know it was part of the overarching theme for the hero character but it was not well done.
I was pretty irritated finishing this book, it started off as something so much better. Would I recommend the book? If you have nothing else to read, sure - but there is always something else to read.
Review: It's barely ok. The book and characters started off strong and really interesting but halfway denigrated into crap. Maybe that sounds harsh but I was not impressed with the dialogue (anachronistic) and repetitive nature of the conversation - nor did I appreciate the change in the heroine who became so weak and annoying in personality. The internal monologues she would give herself were so tedious to read - "live live live, courage courage courage"..... omgggggg even these thought concepts are anachronistic. Also I think other than saying she was going to live repeated a hundred times overused sentences include "do you really think I'm innocent???" "She pinched herself" (this was really stupid and ridiculous, constantly pinching herself for nonsense), and perfect this order that perfect perfect Lord perfect. I know it was part of the overarching theme for the hero character but it was not well done.
I was pretty irritated finishing this book, it started off as something so much better. Would I recommend the book? If you have nothing else to read, sure - but there is always something else to read.
January 6, 2026
A historical romance with an actual plot *audible gasp*.
"There is the lawn upon which Anne Boleyn lost her head...And what was Queen Anne's crime?'
'Adultery,' he answered. 'Treason.'
'Ah yes, treason, or so said her husband, the one with the power, the one who made the laws. She was brought through Traitor's Gate and put to death, the mother of the future queen, and all for failing to make her husband happy."
Overall, I enjoyed the plot and characters. However,
-The characters got together so quickly. Felt out of character for both of them.
-The ending did drag. They would get together and then have a falling out due to miscommunication and misunderstanding. Got frustrating and repetitive.
-The male friends seem more like frenemies. They kept calling him Mr. Perfect even after they saw that it rubbed him the wrong way.
"There is the lawn upon which Anne Boleyn lost her head...And what was Queen Anne's crime?'
'Adultery,' he answered. 'Treason.'
'Ah yes, treason, or so said her husband, the one with the power, the one who made the laws. She was brought through Traitor's Gate and put to death, the mother of the future queen, and all for failing to make her husband happy."
Overall, I enjoyed the plot and characters. However,
-The characters got together so quickly. Felt out of character for both of them.
-The ending did drag. They would get together and then have a falling out due to miscommunication and misunderstanding. Got frustrating and repetitive.
-The male friends seem more like frenemies. They kept calling him Mr. Perfect even after they saw that it rubbed him the wrong way.
March 28, 2022
James(a viscount with a reputation for being perfect) secretly publishes scandalous pamphlets and Kate is the woman he wants to write his next one because she is a duchess on trial for her husbands murder. She agrees as long as he meets her condition of hosting her house arrest so she doesn't have to stay in the Tower anymore.
He decides to meet her condition and as he's hosting her naturally starts to fall for her but tries telling himself it's just lust. She starts falling for him because unlike her husband he actually treats her well.
All kinds of things happen in this story, it's surprisingly action packed for such a short novel, I couldn't put it down because I needed to see what happens next. I'm not sure I ever reread this but it was a lot of fun this time through.
He decides to meet her condition and as he's hosting her naturally starts to fall for her but tries telling himself it's just lust. She starts falling for him because unlike her husband he actually treats her well.
All kinds of things happen in this story, it's surprisingly action packed for such a short novel, I couldn't put it down because I needed to see what happens next. I'm not sure I ever reread this but it was a lot of fun this time through.
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