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Married . . . or not?
To safeguard her future, orphaned Azalea's grandfather arranges her marriage--in name only, of course, as she is not yet of age--to the son of his oldest friend, Lord Glaedon. Azalea, however, falls head over heels in love with her handsome new husband with all the impetuousness and romanticism of her youth before he sails back to England mere days after the wedding. When she learns of his death at sea, she is devastated. Six years later, Azalea honors her grandfather's dying wish by sailing for England herself to recover her inheritance. Once there, she is stunned to discover that Christian, the beloved husband she has believed dead all this time, is quite definitely alive . . . but seems to have no memory whatsoever of their marriage, or of her! Even worse, he is betrothed . . . to her cousin. Can Azalea possibly force Christian--now the illustrious Earl of Glaedon--to remember the truth? Or must she somehow win him away from her dazzlingly beautiful cousin to prevent him from committing bigamy--and breaking her heart again?
Originally Appeared in the Harlequin 2 book combo: Regency Diamonds in 1994
To safeguard her future, orphaned Azalea's grandfather arranges her marriage--in name only, of course, as she is not yet of age--to the son of his oldest friend, Lord Glaedon. Azalea, however, falls head over heels in love with her handsome new husband with all the impetuousness and romanticism of her youth before he sails back to England mere days after the wedding. When she learns of his death at sea, she is devastated. Six years later, Azalea honors her grandfather's dying wish by sailing for England herself to recover her inheritance. Once there, she is stunned to discover that Christian, the beloved husband she has believed dead all this time, is quite definitely alive . . . but seems to have no memory whatsoever of their marriage, or of her! Even worse, he is betrothed . . . to her cousin. Can Azalea possibly force Christian--now the illustrious Earl of Glaedon--to remember the truth? Or must she somehow win him away from her dazzlingly beautiful cousin to prevent him from committing bigamy--and breaking her heart again?
Originally Appeared in the Harlequin 2 book combo: Regency Diamonds in 1994
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1994
About the author
Brenda Hiatt
99 books521 followersBrenda Hiatt is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sparkling romantic adventure. She's written twenty-five novels (so far), including sweet and spicy historical romance, time travel romance, humorous mystery, and her young adult science fiction STARSTRUCK series. Brenda began in traditional publishing with Harlequin, HarperCollins and Avon Books and later made a transition to indie publishing as she began getting rights back to her older books. So far, she hasn't been sorry! She is an active member of Romance Writers of America and Novelists, Inc, where she has served as president. In addition to writing, Brenda is passionate about embracing life to the fullest, to include scuba diving (she has over 60 dives to her credit), Taekwondo (where she is working toward her 4th degree black belt), hiking, traveling…and reading, of course!
Learn more at http://brendahiatt.com
Learn more at http://brendahiatt.com
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 4, 2020
99c Kindle Regency romance. I found the hook so interesting that I had to give it a shot: Our American heroine is married (at age 13 1/2) to a handsome English young man who's about 5 years older ... for her own protection, as she has an uncle who's stolen her rightful inheritance in England. So it's to be a marriage in name only for a few years, and her husband Christian heads back to England with his father. Unfortunately there's a shipwreck, and all are lost.
Or maybe not. Five years later the orphaned Azalea (yep, that's her name) heads to England herself. There she unexpectedly meets Christian, who's now a lord ... and who has absolutely no recollection of ever meeting her, let alone marrying her. To make matters worse, Chris is engaged to Azalea's cousin, who she's living with. And Chris has a major chip on his shoulder against Americans, even beautiful redheaded ones. And let's not forget the dastardly conniving uncle!
I will say it was a fun read if you like Regency romances, but in the cold light of morning the contrived nature of the plot, and all of the many coincidences, was just too much for me to take it even a little bit seriously. Read for brain candy only!
Content note: a couple of intimate scenes, including one short but explicit bedroom scene. Of course they are actually married ...
Or maybe not. Five years later the orphaned Azalea (yep, that's her name) heads to England herself. There she unexpectedly meets Christian, who's now a lord ... and who has absolutely no recollection of ever meeting her, let alone marrying her. To make matters worse, Chris is engaged to Azalea's cousin, who she's living with. And Chris has a major chip on his shoulder against Americans, even beautiful redheaded ones. And let's not forget the dastardly conniving uncle!
I will say it was a fun read if you like Regency romances, but in the cold light of morning the contrived nature of the plot, and all of the many coincidences, was just too much for me to take it even a little bit seriously. Read for brain candy only!
Content note: a couple of intimate scenes, including one short but explicit bedroom scene. Of course they are actually married ...
January 8, 2024
There were many things that I liked about this book. I absolutely could not put it down. The way the author set the stage for this story was absolutely brilliant. I cried for the characters and their doomed young love. I felt so horrible for Azalea's poor grandfather. I admired Azalea for the courage that she displayed when she crossed the ocean to England. Then, in the blink of an eye, the carefully constructed tale just fell apart.
Azalea went from being brave and intelligent to being a dumb milksop. Her poor decisions and complete lack of common sense floored me. Not to mention the fact that on occasion she outright lied. I kept on reading because I really wanted the young girl from America to get her happy ending. It was amazing to me that the other characters were not feeling disillusioned and betrayed by the end of the book. This is actually one time where I think a third act breakup would have been appropriate!
Azalea went from being brave and intelligent to being a dumb milksop. Her poor decisions and complete lack of common sense floored me. Not to mention the fact that on occasion she outright lied. I kept on reading because I really wanted the young girl from America to get her happy ending. It was amazing to me that the other characters were not feeling disillusioned and betrayed by the end of the book. This is actually one time where I think a third act breakup would have been appropriate!
July 17, 2018
Great story!
This was a great story! I loved the unique plot and likable characters. I read all 6 books and must admit that after the second one I almost gave up on Hiatt but read on and was delighted with the 3rd and 4th stories. The 5th one tempted me to give up again but this one was quite enjoyable!
This was a great story! I loved the unique plot and likable characters. I read all 6 books and must admit that after the second one I almost gave up on Hiatt but read on and was delighted with the 3rd and 4th stories. The 5th one tempted me to give up again but this one was quite enjoyable!
July 23, 2024
ABSOLUTELY BORING. DROPPED.
It's not my intention to be mean, but I'm merely stating an opinion that this storytelling didn't do the plot justice. I was riveted by the fact that our MMC is married to our heroine when they were children, and yet due to shipwreck + amnesia, 6 years later, he doesn't remember her and now they meet again- him as her detestable cousin's fiancé!!
Oh, the amount of drama and angst it could have generated!! Sadly, I didn't feel any viable chemistry between Azalea and Christian. I was being told more than I experienced anything, and their reunion was utterly lacking and dry as the desert.
OVERALL this wasn't what I expected. The writing was dry. The emotional well was dry. I doubt we could even accuse this of being passionate at all. How disappointing.
It's not my intention to be mean, but I'm merely stating an opinion that this storytelling didn't do the plot justice. I was riveted by the fact that our MMC is married to our heroine when they were children, and yet due to shipwreck + amnesia, 6 years later, he doesn't remember her and now they meet again- him as her detestable cousin's fiancé!!
Oh, the amount of drama and angst it could have generated!! Sadly, I didn't feel any viable chemistry between Azalea and Christian. I was being told more than I experienced anything, and their reunion was utterly lacking and dry as the desert.
OVERALL this wasn't what I expected. The writing was dry. The emotional well was dry. I doubt we could even accuse this of being passionate at all. How disappointing.
August 10, 2020
Ok, a cheesy love story, but a good one. English guy comes to US, marries girl for convenience that I can’t remember right now. Ship wreck on way back to England and he’s presumed drowned. 6 years later his little girl Widow has grown and goes to England to claim her inheritance and lo and behold meets her long dead husband that has amnesia. He’s engaged to her cousin, her nasty uncle is trying to marry her off to one of his cronies when English guy suddenly remembers! Her cousin calls off the engagement to marry someone else, he bursts in and saves her from a shotgun wedding with the crony and they live happily ever after.
June 12, 2025
A week read about a young lady in America who had a quiet and secret marriage when 13 to a young man from England, arranged by his father and her grandfather She was to join him and his family in England once she became of age. Everything goes wrong once he and his father return on a ship back to England and six years later when she finally goes to England it only gets much more complicated along with the situation involving her inheritance and her greedy uncle. Eventually all the misunderstandings, confusion and intrigue is overcome and they finally can become true husband and wife
May 11, 2020
A great mixing of intrigue with romance.
Loved this book for the plot and the characters. The authors transitioning of the characters interactions are done with subtlety and style. The dialog was everything I hoped for when I purchased this book. It's a great read, I truly enjoyed every word of it, couldn't put it down.
Loved this book for the plot and the characters. The authors transitioning of the characters interactions are done with subtlety and style. The dialog was everything I hoped for when I purchased this book. It's a great read, I truly enjoyed every word of it, couldn't put it down.
June 14, 2025
Remembering
Wonderful story, great story line, great characters. Christian and Azalea married, when she was just 13,and he. 18,then the unthinkable happened, Christian was dead. Azalea was devastated. 6 years later she goes to England to claim her inheritance from her dead father. And this is truly where their love story begins.
Thank you ♥️
Wonderful story, great story line, great characters. Christian and Azalea married, when she was just 13,and he. 18,then the unthinkable happened, Christian was dead. Azalea was devastated. 6 years later she goes to England to claim her inheritance from her dead father. And this is truly where their love story begins.
Thank you ♥️
October 6, 2017
This a re~read and it is still quite Good and it did not pall in the re~reading as some books are wont to do. One of those books that I usually read during a power outage or during a typhoon ~ a tried, faithful and true companion.
May 6, 2020
Entertaining
Azalea's strong and courageous character along with her intelligence and show of compassion make this book enjoyable. The added history of England's society and her ability to thwart it made it all the more interesring.
Azalea's strong and courageous character along with her intelligence and show of compassion make this book enjoyable. The added history of England's society and her ability to thwart it made it all the more interesring.
November 8, 2020
Clever plot. Interesting romance.
I got involved right from start and the story moves briskly. Lots of twists. I like this author she’s very creative. I could have lived without the sex scene. I always find them implausible in Regencies.
I got involved right from start and the story moves briskly. Lots of twists. I like this author she’s very creative. I could have lived without the sex scene. I always find them implausible in Regencies.
June 20, 2025
Pace was slow
For some reason, this book dragged. The beginning of this story starts with an interesting plot twist but then slowed down. There were missing background info. Took me awhile to finish, and the ending felt rushed.
For some reason, this book dragged. The beginning of this story starts with an interesting plot twist but then slowed down. There were missing background info. Took me awhile to finish, and the ending felt rushed.
May 2, 2020
Grabbing story
I couldn't put the book down from the first page. This was a completely novel plot for me to read.
I couldn't put the book down from the first page. This was a completely novel plot for me to read.
May 12, 2020
Only finished reading because I bought it
Premise sounded good, Hiatt has been around thought I would take a chance, will not read author again, mediocre drivel.
Premise sounded good, Hiatt has been around thought I would take a chance, will not read author again, mediocre drivel.
July 7, 2020
A cute read
It was a book of love lost and then found again, just in time. It had intrigue and some sinister individuals that didn't win in the end. I really liked it.👍👍👍
It was a book of love lost and then found again, just in time. It had intrigue and some sinister individuals that didn't win in the end. I really liked it.👍👍👍
June 7, 2021
Loved getting reacquainted with an old book friend
I loved this story when I first read it, & I still love it. Loved the way Christian & Azalea finally got together
I loved this story when I first read it, & I still love it. Loved the way Christian & Azalea finally got together
June 18, 2025
Gorgeously mesmerizing and wonderfully endearing story of promising love that blossoms into genuine, passionate devotion, but not before navigating life's many turns!
June 19, 2025
A book to read for the summer
I love this book and all the characters in this book. The story from beginning to the end so good! I love happy ending😊
I love this book and all the characters in this book. The story from beginning to the end so good! I love happy ending😊
June 22, 2025
enjoyed first read
First time reading this author. Enjoyed the characters. I guess, as this is book 6, I should look for the other 5.
First time reading this author. Enjoyed the characters. I guess, as this is book 6, I should look for the other 5.
December 23, 2025
I like the engaged trope and was a bit surprised by how this played out.
September 19, 2012
Cet avis a été publié antérieurement sur mon blog Lecture Toute une Aventure
Bref récit avec seulement 156 pages cependant même si il aurait pu être plus développé j’ai passé un bon moment avec ce livre. C’était ma première tentative de romance historique avec une héroïne américaine et j’ai trouvé intéressant de voir les divisions entre l’aristocratie anglaise et les membres important de son ancienne colonie. Le récit en soit n’est pas vraiment original ni mémorable mais cela reste un bon divertissement lorsque on n’a pas beaucoup de temps et que l’on souhaite une romance avec un « happy end » sans trop de complications.
Azalea est une jeune femme cultivée et bien élevée mais pas pour autant enfermée dans une attitude trop rigide, elle est franche et volontaire. Lorsqu’elle se retrouve confrontée à son oncle crapuleux elle œuvre à déjouer ses plans tout en redécouvrant son époux longtemps cru mort.
Christian quant à lui est un jeune noble qui se retrouve à la tête de sa famille alors que rien ne l’y prédestinait de prime abord étant le dernier de la fratrie, perdu et amnésique suite à un naufrage il cherche à préserver l’honneur de sa famille qu’il pense avoir bafoué durant son exil forcé.
Soyons honnête même si je sais que à l’époque on pouvait se marier très jeune j’ai apprécié que bien que mariée à 13ans Azalea ne soit pas forcée à consommer le mariage sans attendre cela m’aurait paru très choquant sinon. L’intrigue est un peu poussée par les cheveux mais on peut aisément se laisser emporter un court instant par ce récit sans trop de prétention mais toutefois agréable.
Bref récit avec seulement 156 pages cependant même si il aurait pu être plus développé j’ai passé un bon moment avec ce livre. C’était ma première tentative de romance historique avec une héroïne américaine et j’ai trouvé intéressant de voir les divisions entre l’aristocratie anglaise et les membres important de son ancienne colonie. Le récit en soit n’est pas vraiment original ni mémorable mais cela reste un bon divertissement lorsque on n’a pas beaucoup de temps et que l’on souhaite une romance avec un « happy end » sans trop de complications.
Azalea est une jeune femme cultivée et bien élevée mais pas pour autant enfermée dans une attitude trop rigide, elle est franche et volontaire. Lorsqu’elle se retrouve confrontée à son oncle crapuleux elle œuvre à déjouer ses plans tout en redécouvrant son époux longtemps cru mort.
Christian quant à lui est un jeune noble qui se retrouve à la tête de sa famille alors que rien ne l’y prédestinait de prime abord étant le dernier de la fratrie, perdu et amnésique suite à un naufrage il cherche à préserver l’honneur de sa famille qu’il pense avoir bafoué durant son exil forcé.
Soyons honnête même si je sais que à l’époque on pouvait se marier très jeune j’ai apprécié que bien que mariée à 13ans Azalea ne soit pas forcée à consommer le mariage sans attendre cela m’aurait paru très choquant sinon. L’intrigue est un peu poussée par les cheveux mais on peut aisément se laisser emporter un court instant par ce récit sans trop de prétention mais toutefois agréable.
August 3, 2016
Not all Hiatt books are clean
I had read one previous Hiatt book and loved it! Because that book was free from descriptive body parts and clean I purchased several more. Regrettably this story was not free of a couple of descriptive intimate moments. I will be returning other books. I would have appreciated fair warning this author includes sex in her stories. Some prefer them however I do not. Sadly I enjoyed her storylines in the two books I read.
I had read one previous Hiatt book and loved it! Because that book was free from descriptive body parts and clean I purchased several more. Regrettably this story was not free of a couple of descriptive intimate moments. I will be returning other books. I would have appreciated fair warning this author includes sex in her stories. Some prefer them however I do not. Sadly I enjoyed her storylines in the two books I read.
April 25, 2016
Azalea, like Brenda Hiatt's other books, is a wonderful book. This book has a plot that is different than most Regency stories. I could not put it down. I instantly liked Azalea Clayton and Christian , Lord Glaedon. The twists and surprises in the book keep you engaged. Brenda is a very talented writer and I look forward to reading more of her work.
June 8, 2016
This is a enjoyable read. It has all the right elements and a little bit familial intrigue thrown in. The romance content is PG13 until the very end where it goes up to R. Despite the romance content I did enjoy this book.
November 23, 2012
A sweet, tender story.
May 13, 2014
I liked the story okay. I was just disappointed at the sex scene at the end of the book. I only like clean romance.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews