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Supposed Scandal #1

Her Unsuitable Match

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Lady Philippa must wed to gain her fortune and freedom. A former soldier wants only peace and seclusion. Marriage to each other is their best solution.

Lady Philippa Gillensford is three and 20, an heiress, and sister to a penny-pinching earl. After rejecting every bachelor her mother approves of, Philippa is ready to take her future into her own hands. Though she doubts she’ll marry for love, she is more than willing to marry for freedom from her family’s influence.

Myles Cobbett has withdrawn from society, content to remain alone after surviving the horrors of the Napoleonic Wars. When a friend convinces Myles to attend a ball benefiting wounded veterans like himself, Myles meets the lively Lady Philippa. Shortly thereafter, to help Philippa avoid scandal, Myles rescues her from a complete cad.

Sensing a chance to escape her family’s control, Philippa convinces Myles he must marry her to save her reputation. In exchange for this favor, Philippa promises him the very thing he thought he always wanted: a quiet life, alone in the country. While the two put on a show of marital happiness for their neighbors, both realize they want much more from this arrangement. Can they take a marriage of convenience and turn it into a love match?

Her Unsuitable Match is a sweet regency romance and can be listened to as a stand-alone or as the sequel to Sally Britton's previous novel, His Unexpected Heiress. It is also part of the Supposed Scandal series.

8 pages, Audible Audio

First published October 25, 2021

536 people are currently reading
1352 people want to read

About the author

Sally Britton

47 books1,264 followers
Sally Britton is sixth generation Texan, received her BA in English forever ago, and reads voraciously. She started her writing journey at the tender age of fourteen on an electric typewriter, and she’s never looked back.

Sally lives in Oklahoma with her husband, four children, and their overly energetic Australian Shepherds, cat, and snake named Nancy. She loves researching, hiking, and eating too much chocolate.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 367 reviews
Profile Image for Kellyn Roth.
Author 28 books1,128 followers
did-not-finish
December 28, 2022
Well, that was frustrating.

I'm not adding a rating because at 26%, I got frustrated with the story and didn't read it, meaning I didn't technically finish it. I just skimmed for highlights.

This book was just not for me. Here are a few reasons why:

First, I guess I assumed I had accidentally grabbed book 2 or book 3 throughout, given the minor characters, but as it turns out, they were just characters from completely different series? Though I wasn't sure which books featured these other stories. That said, it so read like a continuation instead of a spin-off. I can't judge the book too harshly for that given that I think I fall into the same issue with my novels. That said, it was a bit jarring at times, especially when it came to the heroine's brother and sister-in-law.

Second, to me, the writing was rather obvious and amateurish. However, again, I don't write great prose, so I have no room to judge the book for what I myself fail to achieve. I just have very good editors. :P (Okay, not entirely, but when I look at some of my earlier works … yikes.)

The rest of the mistakes were all related to my understanding of how law, inheritance, titles, and so on worked in Regency society. I'll explain my personal beliefs based on research for my own (unpublished) novels, but I would love to be correct if I'm wrong because I'm always excited to learn more about the Regency era as someone who is writing a couple series set in that time period.

1. Age of Majority/"Coming of Age"

It is my understanding that the age of majority in the Regency era (also referred to as coming of age/being of age) was 21. Every search I've done confirms this. I've not found anyone claiming it was 23.

Now, we could also say that terms were simply confused and when the author was saying Philippa was "coming of age," she simply meant that she was coming into her inheritance that was set to release at age 23 (or 24, as her brother claimed - or 22, as another place in the novel claimed). But that doesn't make a lot of sense from a legal standpoint because even in the early 1800s, "trust funds" and similar inheritances were set to release at 25. Theoretically, I suppose, someone could choose a random year, but again, this was referred to as "coming of age."

2. Common license vs. special license

I think the author was saying common license when they meant special license. Because the whole deal in England was you couldn't get married quickly without a special license. But if I'm incorrect and there's such a thing as a "common license" that allows you to get married quickly, or it's just a different term I'm unfamiliar with, well, that could be a thing.

3. Gentleman? Commoner? Baron's Son?

There was some confusion throughout the book about what Myles was and what his circumstances ought to be. He's the younger son of a baron, which makes him both a gentleman's son (this is confirmed when they visit his father) and a member of the peerage, loosely speaking. Being a baron is actually a step above a baronetcy and a knighthood. So it's … it's peerage!

I suppose you could argue that since it's a recent baronetcy (his grandfather was the one who received it), and not a very rich one (?), but still. He should not be called a commoner by anyone, and further, his view of his position is disastrously out of place.

Also, ALL children of barons (including unmarried daughters) are styled The Honourable FIRSTNAME LASTNAME. So ... Myles? Myles???

I kind of wonder if the author had barons and baronets mixed up, because a baronet might act a lot like the author was describing. Ish. I think Sir John Elliot was a baronet. Or a knight. It's been a while since I've read Persuasion.

Also, his father can't just chill in the country forever if he's called to the House of Lords, because again, unlike baronets, a baron usually has a seat! Because they're peerage!

Anyways, just for fun, here's my information on barons. Correct me if I'm wrong.

A baron is officially addressed by their style (Baron of Somewhere). They also have a surname (Jones), but would never be called it unless they were stating their full name (Joe Jones, Baron of Somewhere). A baron would not be called by their given name except perhaps by a wife or mother and certain not with lord (not Lord Joe). Barons and baronesses receive the titles “Lord” and “Lady” with their style. A baron’s wife is called a baroness. All children of a baroness are styled “The Hon. First Name Last Name,” including unmarried daughters.

4. Men don't dance with their wives? Ever?

I just think that's … not true?

5. The Dowry, the Inheritance, and All Plotlines Thereof

Don't get me wrong: there was merits to this book. It was clear the author did a lot of research about PTSD, soldiers, and hospitals available for sufferers thereof, but

Simply put, women had no legal entity in the Regency era. In particular, married women were considered to be one with their husband and ceased to exist upon marriage. Literally. A popular quote from the era is this one:

“By marriage, the husband and wife are one person in law: that is, the very being or legal existence of the woman is suspended during the marriage, or at least is incorporated and consolidated into that of the husband… and her condition during her marriage is called her coverture.
… For this reason, a man cannot grant anything to his wife, or enter into covenant with her: for the grant would be to suppose her separate existence; and to covenant with her, would be only to covenant with himself: … a husband may also bequeath any thing to his wife by will; for that cannot take effect till the coverture is determined by his death.
… the chief legal effects of marriage during the coverture; upon which we may observe, that even the disabilities which the wife lies under are for the most part intended for her protection and benefit: so great a favourite is the female sex of the laws of England.”
William Blackstone. Commentaries on the Laws of England. Vol, 1 (1765).


Basically, the concept of Philippa being able to make a contract with her future husband makes no sense because she cannot enter in an understanding with him because she doesn't exist. (Yeah, I know, it sucks!) No matter how clever (and fun and charming) her lawyer is.

If you want to get more into this topic, this is a decent article:
https://biancawhitewrites.com/a-woman...

With sources! Cited! Yay!

(I never cite sources, so I always appreciate when other people are wise.)

So what I'm saying here is the only way this book could work post-marriage is if Myles DIES leaving her a widow. (Being a widow was pretty sweet.) Which we don't want.

I'm a little iffier on whether or not Philippa could actually inherit her dowry if she didn't marry. I thought not, but I read a couple articles that suggested that a loving father (or other male relative) could put aside the dowry to be inherited at a certain age if she were unmarried. Which would make sense, as I've known of a scattering of British "heiresses" (though they were never titled, which makes me doubt). So yes, I think it's theoretically possible that, until she married, Philippa's situation could've worked. That said, after marriage? Uh ... yeah, she can't really ... make a contract with her husband? That doesn't ... work?

However, I will add that like I said, I AM IFFY ON IT. So though I think it possible the person who left the money for her maybe could've set up a dowry she could inherit, I'm also not 100% sure it was legally possible. I'm still looking. If anyone has resources, let me know. I think the problem here is it was either rare or undiscussed.

I think a part of this is also that a previous book MUST HAVE had that awesome lawyer dude in it and he MUST HAVE explained how this all works. But that ... wasn't ... present here?

Like I said, I'm looking for resources, so let me know if you have any ideas where I could start.

***

Now, I think this book had a lot of merits. I could see that the characters were fun. It was shy on plot (there was no plot after they got married lol and very little before which was frustrating because I expected a couple more plot twists), but I could see the author did a lot of research on PTSD, soldiers, hospitals, and so on which was impressive!

That said, I would encourage anyone writing any era to get some nerds who read the genre and make them read it before publishing. Because … yeah, we exist, and we're super annoying, and I've made some silly mistakes myself for not utilizing them.

But yeah, this book was not for me, and now I need some Regency recs other than Julie Klassen, Kristi Ann Hunter, and Sarah E. Ladd. Anyone got ideas?
Profile Image for Drache.... (Angelika) .
1,530 reviews220 followers
May 31, 2024
Reread 05/2023.
Still enjoyed this a lot. Such a lovely marriage of convenience story.
This time I switched between the ebook and the audio book, (free on the author's youtube channel), read brilliantly by Jessica Elisa Boyd.
4,5 stars.
--------------
Reread 02/2023
Such a beautiful historical romance.
Loved it maybe even more the second time.
4,5 stars.
-----
01/2022
I loved Pippa and Myles. Their slow journey to happiness was beautifully told.
4,5 stars.
Profile Image for Melissa.
2,547 reviews269 followers
October 23, 2021
Oh Man! I Loved this one! I did not want to put it down! SO Good! Dark brooding man with a heart of Gold, Check! Strong independent female lead, check! Arraigned marriage, check! This was just my favorite kind of book and Sally did it so well! I was pulled in from the first and really wanted such a good ending for these 2!
No religion, very chaste. Good tension.
Profile Image for HR-ML.
1,273 reviews55 followers
March 18, 2022
"Clean" Regency. Gave this 3 of 5 stars. Ms Britton has
written better books. The cover was better than the
contents.

Myles was a former Army officer, who taught infrequent
boxing classes at private clubs. And youngest son of a
baron. Myles had been wounded in war & lost an eye &
2 fingers. He wore an eye-patch. Lady Phillipia "Pippa"
was an obnoxious earl's sister. She visited w/ her other
brother and his wife.

Mismatched Myles & Pippa wed. They seemed awkward
together and avoided each other. Myles had what we now
know as PTSD. He finally admitted to his wife he needed
to avoid crowds, sudden sounds & odors/ smells. He de-
scribed himself as a broken man in body, mind and heart.

The society types were depicted as a little too snide in their
comments about the h or the H or both. The PTSD incidents
felt accurate and honest. But for most of the story the MCs
acted at cross purposes & used the wrong words to console
or validate each other.
Profile Image for Anna (The_Reading_Pantry).
366 reviews59 followers
February 10, 2022
First off, I need to mention how beautiful this cover is. 😍😍 Let’s take a second to appreciate it. That red just pops.

I absolutely loved this story!! I had seen it around Bookstagram after it’s release and now I’m sad it took me so long to read it. I was in a reading slump but once I started this one, I couldn’t put it down. It was everything I didn’t know I wanted. A broken war hero, a possible scandal, some underhanded betrayal. How can you not fall in love with this book?

Okay, what I loved. I absolutely loved Philippa and Myles!! Like, a lot! Their characters were so well done. Myles was injured in the army and came back scarred, physically and mentally. I just adore him and how he looks out for others. Philippa had a bit of learning to do when it came to relationships, but I could appreciate her honesty in stating her intentions from the very beginning.

I was a fan of Myles’ family. And Winston. After reading this, I had to go through all of Sally’s books because, surprise, the side characters in this book are in her other books!! His Unexpected Heiress is about Philippa’s brother and characters from the Inglewood series made an appearance too. I haven’t read The Gentleman Physician but I’m thinking they’re in here too. That’s to be determined.

You should all go read it. You won’t regret it. And then tell your friends about it — if you liked it like I did. 😊

Profile Image for Melissa’s Bookshelf.
2,545 reviews177 followers
October 26, 2021
Sally Britton is definitely a favorite author. She really takes great care in making her stories as historically accurate as possible as well as entertaining. So, when I had the chance to read this new regency romance by her, I jumped at the chance. I love a good marriage of convenience story, but this added a new and tender-hearted depth to this familiar trope.

Lady Philippa or Pippa is trying to escape both a mother and older brother who are pressuring her to marry, specifically a rakish gentleman. Myles Cobbett is just trying to survive after suffering severe injuries both physically and mentally from the Napoleonic wars. When they meet, Pippa is impressed by the brave man and her estimation of him increases when he rescues her from an unwanted suitor. To prevent herself from being married off and to gain control over her inheritance, she proposes a marriage of convenience to Myles. He agrees, but with the promise that they will try to make it a real marriage despite their opposite backgrounds.

One of my favorite quotes is “If we are both broken, perhaps we can help one another to fill in the missing pieces. And be whole again someday.” These two broken people who are broken for different reasons grow together as they try to make a go of their marriage. Though there are various obstacles along the way, they are truly a likable couple whom you want to see succeed.

Myles is such a thoughtful and caring person. He does all that he can to help Pippa despite his suffering from what today we call PTSD. I love his ability to communicate his feelings and his desire to be seen for who he truly is and not pitied.

Though Pippa is an heiress, she has a caring heart. At first, her main goal is to be able to go about society unimpeded, but as she sees her husband’s struggles, she begins to truly care for his wellbeing. It was a joy watching her grow both in her feelings for her husband and in her character.

This engaging, swoon worthy, clean regency romance can definitely be read as a stand alone. However, I was excited to see some familiar characters from previous books, including from His Unexpected Heiress. Highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good heartfelt regency romance. Thanks to the author for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
Profile Image for Anna.
Author 20 books326 followers
April 18, 2022
This book was so cute. I loved the slow progression of romance, and the growth they both saw. Over all such a cute story.

The audio book was also amazing. I enjoyed listening to it at work while making copies and cutting paper. It was a light listen that left me smiling the rest of the day.
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,968 reviews71 followers
October 26, 2021
I love a book with a strong female character. Lady Philippa, or Pippa as her family calls her, is certainly that! She is the kind of woman who knows what she wants and works to get it. What Pippa wants it to have her inheritance and be able to live her own life, free of expectations from her older brother or her mother. Unfortunately, her older brother is not cooperating with that. And is in fact making that impossible for her to get. I loved the way Pippa gets around this.

Pippa convinces Myles to marry her. I loved the proposal scene in this one! It was so well done and just great. What Pippa doesn’t expect is to actually ever fall in love with Myles.

Myles is a great guy. Firstly, he rescues Pippa just in the nick of time. And then he helps her out by marrying her when she needed him most. I loved the way he champions her cause every chance he gets.

This book has such a great plot. Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes. And this one was so well done! I really need to read more of this author’s books!

I was sent an e-copy of Her Unsuitable Match as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,676 reviews580 followers
February 24, 2022
Myles and Philippa are both in difficult circumstances, but I loved how they showed determination to stay true to themselves and persevere through their trials. They are intrigued by each other, and even though it is unexpected, the solution of a marriage of convenience frees them both and opens their options for the future. Some couples from the authors other books are woven into the local society and I enjoyed revisiting them and the way they exemplified genuine love for Pippa and Myles. There's just something about the way they allow themselves to reach for more in their relationship that brings romantic tension and a sweetness to their special moments.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Profile Image for Sabrina Trejo.
251 reviews21 followers
July 1, 2022
Another enchanting Sally Britton romance! I can always count on being swept off my feet whenever I open a book by this incredible author. And while this is a great stand alone story, I absolutely loved the characters we see from some other books and series by Sally. It’s like catching up with old friends and seeing how their lives are after time away.
I really enjoyed the information about how British society treated, or didn’t treat, what we now call PTSD. You can’t read a book by Sally and not feel the love and research that went into the story. This book is no exception and it was wonderful to get a glimpse into different aspects of the ton.
Myles had my heart from the first moment I read about him and I really enjoyed his journey throughout the book. Now Pippa on the other hand, I struggled with her character throughout the book, but by the end I appreciated her character growth. But still, nothing can take away from my love of Sally Britton books. She truly is a fantastic author and her books are truly for anyone and everyone.
Profile Image for Jenni.
231 reviews6 followers
February 2, 2023
There are a few things to know about this book.

This book is a sequel to His Unexpected Heiress also written by Sally Britton. His Unexpected Heiress is advertised as book 2 in the Entangled Inheritance series, which is a series of similarly themed books by different authors. Her Unsuitable Match is actually advertised as book 1 in the Supposed Scandal series, which is also a series of similarly themed book written by different sweet/clean authors.

For Sally Britton fans, this book is a tie-in to the Inglewood series and is best enjoyed after the Inglewood series, and after His Unexpected Heiress. Sir Isaac, Lady Fox and Lord and Lady Inglewood all make appearances and/or are mentioned in Her Unsuitable Match.

Fortunately, I realized the connection between this book and His Unexpected Heiress before I started reading so I did enjoy them both in order.

In this story, we follow Lady Philippa and her quest for happiness in the overbearing shadow of her horrid family, led by her brother, the earl. In an effort to marry her off, her scheming mother tries to wed her to an unsavory chum of the earl's, whom we learn later had a strong hand in arranging the match. Meanwhile Lady Philippa meets Myles Corbett at a ball hosted by the Gillensford's (from His Unexpected Heiress) and is intrigued. Myles is an injured war veteran who struggles with what is now diagnosed as PTSD. He also suffered a missing eye, a few fingers, and other physical battle scars. His words and courage speak to Lady Phillipa and when she finds herself in the worst possible situation, Myles comes to her rescue and agrees to marry her, giving her the protection she desperately needs from her family. But theirs is a marriage of convenience. A contract is written to satisfy both parties with the Myles adding that they spend a year together to see if something more may come of their situation.

For such a mismatched pair, both in society and personalities, communication was their biggest hurdle. But they had a common goal to work towards since they were both heavily involved in the hospital the Gillensfords were building for soldiers needing more in-depth care after the war. Their efforts and success were inspiring and helped bring them together. I loved the ending and Lady Philippa's reunion with her horse and Rigby's assistance.

This is a sweet read with kisses only, and a wonderful story. Highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for bookaholic_kim.
585 reviews54 followers
November 10, 2023
A slow burn , marriage of convenience regency. The characters were lovable and I care about them so much. I appreciate how PTSD was perceived in this book.

Just TMI. I started this book because of the gorgeous cover and I do not have any regrets.

I am into Historical Fiction / Regency lately. And I need recommendations.
Profile Image for MK.
469 reviews13 followers
December 12, 2022
This book was so deep. I loved it. I’ve always loved the marriage of convenience trope, but this one has more depth then usual. There’s the usual awkward beginning, followed by a softening of hearts, and the vulnerability of feelings growing towards love.

“She wished she had been braver. Brave enough to ask if he had sensed the change between them. And if he knew what it might mean.”

I loved that Sally also brought in a serious subject and highlighted the work going on at the time for soldiers suffering from PTSD. Coming from a military family, I’ve always appreciated those who choose a life of service, but I remember very clearly the moment it hit home. In college my roommate’s fiancé called her after a horrific battle in Iraq. The pain and desperation and despair I’m his voice as he sobbed on the phone with her is etched in my mind and heart.

Sally touches on the effects of war and weaves in a beautiful realistic story of healing over time through acceptance and love in marriage.

“If we are both broken, perhaps we can help one another to fill the missing pieces. And be whole again someday.”

I highly recommend this one! Available October 25th!
1,328 reviews59 followers
October 26, 2021
This book is adorable! I really loved the main characters and the marriage of convenience trope in this story. Myles is a gentleman through and through. His heart of gold just makes me smile. He was injured physically as well as emotionally and mentally from the war so he believes he has nothing to offer. When Lady Phillipa needs to marry quick to protect herself, his name is the only one she can think of and he is quick to rescue her. I loved the slow and sweet romance that developed between them and the tender friendship they formed. While Sally has written a veteran before (Engaging Sir Isaac) whom we get a cameo of in this story, I liked how, though they had a common experience, Myles personal experience wasn't cookie cutter with Isaac's and his needs weren't exactly the same. It was so well done; I wish I knew how better to phrase my appreciation of it.
Definitely a cute Regency, one I really enjoyed and highly recommend!
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club).
617 reviews
October 26, 2021
Sally Britton is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I absolutely LOVED this book! I have to say this has one of the most beautiful endings I’ve ever read. REAL characters are such a refreshing change to picture perfect characters. I would have loved to sit down and read this book in 1 sitting, but life got in the way and I’ve never completed necessary tasks as quickly as I did this week to be able to finish!

If you love historical romance this is a must read for you. Clean content, swoon worthy moments and the most beautiful love story that will leave you breathless!

Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Lu.
756 reviews25 followers
November 12, 2021
A sweet story of a scarred soldier and an independent young kady.

Myles was the sweetest of heroes. So humble, honorable, and kind. My favorite kind ;)

Philippa was not my favorite person at first, but I loved how she matured throughout the story. She conquered me with her authenticity and strength.

There was a cozy sense of friendship and family that took me to a happy place and warmed my heart.

Lovely read!
Profile Image for Lisa.
282 reviews16 followers
February 12, 2022
I enjoyed this so much! ❤️
Profile Image for Chris ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥.
472 reviews24 followers
January 8, 2026
3.75⭐️ This was a lovely, slow-burn marriage of convenience, one of those love stories where feelings grow quietly, day by day, through small gestures and mutual kindness. I genuinely enjoyed how naturally and realistically their relationship developed.

That being said…it was a little too tame and a little too clean for my taste, even though that’s why I picked it in the first place, because it was marketed as clean
romance. 👉👈😅😂
My issue was that the MCs only really start interacting romantically as husband and wife (instead of polite strangers who happen to be married for practical reasons and who are only cordial to each other) around the 70% mark. Their first kiss? A few pages before the epilogue. At roughly 95%. Which means I spent most of the book squinting at the page like, “Is this the moment? No? Still no?” 😂

Don’t get me wrong, kindness and respect are lovely foundations for a relationship and I love seeing these things in my romance books, but they can’t carry it entirely on their own. I needed something more, a stolen glance, a lingering touch, a hint of yearning…anything..before the 50/60% mark. You know?

And yes, I’m aware I picked up a clean romance, which is exactly what I got 😂 but I still want romance. Passion! Longing! A little angst! Just without the explicit smut. Why does it feel like nowadays it’s either zero passionate chemistry or full-on spice overload, with nothing in between? Deeply frustrating.

Overall though, this was a very sweet historical romance marriage of convenience with kind, likeable main characters and excellent side characters. If you enjoy ultra-gentle slow burns and emotional subtlety, this might be perfect for you, just don’t expect fireworks before the final chapter.☺️
Profile Image for Josh Tracy.
58 reviews2 followers
August 18, 2024
So..... I accidentally listened to a regency romance book. It was pretty good.

My wife likes to listen to books like this to help her fall asleep. Not because they're boring, but because they help her mind relax. Usually I tune them out due to lack of interest, but this one caught my attention. I found myself asking if she was going to listen to "that regency book, whatever it's called." Stealth mode.

I think what got me interested was Myles. I'm not a veteran myself, but I'm grateful to those who put their lives on the line for our freedoms and our allies. The theme of the book focuses heavily on the difficulties veterans face after they leave the battlefield, and while I don't know much about it, the fact that this book brings attention to this topic is very important.

Those familiar with my reading list know I'm much more of a science fiction and fantasy guy, but I am glad I got the opportunity to, uh, stealthily listen in on this one. Well done, and well written.
Profile Image for Katrina Lybbert.
436 reviews80 followers
January 27, 2022
Really enjoyed this book! Myles was a wounded yet very strong character. As he and Philippa grew to love each other in a marriage that began for convenience only it was heartwarming. The difference between their two families shows that money does not bring happiness, it is love and family unity that do. I loved how Philippa blossomed under her mother-in-law and father-in-laws influence. I hope her own mother and older brother could be redeemed some day and find love in family, too!

At the time they wouldn't understand PTSD like we do now, but I loved the hospital they were creating for returning soldiers to go to and recover from both physical and emotional wounds. I was glad Philippa had a great brother and sister-in-law in Adam and Elaine. Loved the epilogue!
Profile Image for Holly Bleggi.
1,364 reviews25 followers
November 1, 2021
I really enjoyed this book by Sally Britton. I liked that we saw characters from other books in this book and that they were there to help the main characters in this story. I loved how Myles and Philippa’s marriage started out as a marriage of convenience but as they got to know each other it developed into more. I also loved how Sally dealt with PTSD. I thought she did a good job of being sensitive to what soldiers go through when they are involved in war.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own. 
Profile Image for Kathy.
2,531 reviews17 followers
October 22, 2021
I love this story! The characters are wonderful. Myles is a kind, protective man but physically broken from serving in the war. Phillipa is a daughter of an earl, steeped in high society but broken by a controlling mother and oldest brother. DELIGHTFUL!
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,196 reviews95 followers
March 20, 2022
Full review to come but for now—Sally is an incredible author and this book is done so well!
Profile Image for Jessica Tracy.
710 reviews
September 15, 2024
Once again Britton has delivered a sweet and clean regency romance novel.

I enjoyed this book with it's imperfect leads, both of which carry some baggage. Miles is a veteran with scarred mind, body, and soul - yet with a gentleman's heart of gold. Pippa is kindhearted, but craving independence from her overbearing family and will do almost anything to get her inheritance and get out. A marriage of convenience might be just the thing.

It felt like things and situations weren't forced, and flowed pretty naturally. Britton portrayed what seems to me, a realistic perspective of a veteran with what we call now PTSD. I liked the theme of how can we better support and be grateful to those who fought for, in this case, king and country.

Content Warnings: Overall clean! Only kisses are described, with light implications of marital bliss. Some war events are lightly described, nothing graphic. I would say this was an acceptable read for 16+ depending on the girl.
Profile Image for Montana.
7 reviews9 followers
November 2, 2021
I am a huge fan of marriage of convenience stories. Yeah, I've read some that left a lot to be desired, but there is just something about two people who are thrown together and gradually learning to see and then love the good in the other person. And that (along with positive past experiences with Sally Britton's novels) is why I was excited to read this book.

There was so much to love about this story: a war hero tormented by the experiences of his past, a strong and compassionate female lead, the contrast between family relationships, etc. I was surprised to find that my favorite aspect of this novel was not so much the marriage of convenience trope (which felt a little too rushed for me) as it was the real-life struggles of a soldier returning home from war but bringing the battle with him. My heart hurt for him as he had his bouts with PTSD, which left him feeling like less of man. The best parts of the love story, it my opinion, were the moments when Lady Phillipa was able to witness those episodes and learn to love Myles more deeply because of his struggles.

For me, this was a 4-star book: A really great one-time read but not a book I am likely to reread. If you are looking for a well-written, clean, sweet romance, give this book a try.

**I was given an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review. The opinions are all my own. ;)
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64 reviews2 followers
December 26, 2024
I couldn't decide how to decribe this story from Lady Philippa's point of view, so I give you two approches!

No 1: We are all, in one way or another, a product of our invierment. In some that shows itself as totally enlining themselves to those around them, while in others it shows itself as raising themselves above their company, trying for something better, but even in those cases they might prove to be maybe not as good as they believed. How very disapointing!

No 2: How much is your freedom worth? That is the question of this story. And what is freedom really? Sometimes we think we have a clear view of how we want things to be and later find out that we were not as wise as we thought. But then again sometimes life turns out quite differently but much better than we planned! And who can blame Lady Philippa for wanting to be free of her horrible mother and oldest brother and desperate times ask for desperate means, even asking an almost stranger to marry her.

And from Myles's point of view. Getting served an opertunaty to rise above his very limited (that is a rather big understatement!) cercumstanses is hard to reject, especially when he can help not only the lady asking for his hand (!) but also family members, even though he do think the whole thing quite crazy. When he realises that his heart and his secrets are in danger it is too late to change his mind, so he just have to try to manage as best he can.

I'm a big fan if Sally Britton's writing and I love a lovestory that takes place within a marriage and these two were not hard to root for. The differences between a spoiled society Lady (yes, she really is, despite her misfortunes) and a scarred former soilder is destened for some difficulties along the way, but also for some learning, on both their parts, which is something I thouroly enjoy in a story. I loved His unexpected heiress, which tells the story about Lady Philippa's brother and this, though totally a stand alone story, is taking us back to those we met there. I very much enjoyed meeting old friends again, expected and unexpected ones!

I got a copy of this story from the author but these are all my own views of it.
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