What do you think?
Laws of Attraction #2
The Marriage Experiment
As an amateur lepidopterist, Adriana Coffey would like nothing more than to live a quiet life in the country and await Cyrus Shaw’s return from his grand tour. After all, an understanding has existed between them since childhood. Unfortunately, with Cyrus out of the country, a marriage is arranged with her detestable stepbrother.
Dawson Shaw, the new Earl of Westhorpe, would like nothing more than to grab his younger brother up by the nape and shake some sense into him. Adriana is intelligent, beautiful, and unappreciated by society and his scapegrace brother. But is he willing to betray Cyrus in order to fulfill his own longings?
Adriana feels like she has no choice but to accept Dawson’s offer of marriage. Unlike the charming Cyrus, Dawson is aloof and cold… or is he? Their marriage is proof that assumptions can be disproven. The attraction between them is altogether unexpected and new for Adriana. But will their growing connection survive the coming tempest when Cyrus finally returns?
Dawson Shaw, the new Earl of Westhorpe, would like nothing more than to grab his younger brother up by the nape and shake some sense into him. Adriana is intelligent, beautiful, and unappreciated by society and his scapegrace brother. But is he willing to betray Cyrus in order to fulfill his own longings?
Adriana feels like she has no choice but to accept Dawson’s offer of marriage. Unlike the charming Cyrus, Dawson is aloof and cold… or is he? Their marriage is proof that assumptions can be disproven. The attraction between them is altogether unexpected and new for Adriana. But will their growing connection survive the coming tempest when Cyrus finally returns?
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2023
About the author
Laura Trentham
43 books910 followersAuthor of smart, sexy Southern contemporary romance, Regency historicals, & heartfelt Women's Fiction
Series include:
Sweet Home Alabama
Cottonbloom
Spies and Lovers
Heart of a Hero
Highland, Georgia
Series include:
Sweet Home Alabama
Cottonbloom
Spies and Lovers
Heart of a Hero
Highland, Georgia
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 27, 2023
This is my 10th book by Laura Trentham. I started reading her in 2020 and really loved her books. She had nothing come out in 2022 so I was glad to see she has now had a few books come out in 2023.
I enjoyed this book. I liked Adriana and Dawson. I liked the story. The only thing I didn't like is I felt there really wasn't much of an ending. I hate to say too much without giving anything away but I kind of felt some closures where missing. The ending definitely mentioned the characters in her upcoming book 3 so maybe there will be more closure in that book that also helps closure for this book. Otherwise, it was good.
I enjoyed this book. I liked Adriana and Dawson. I liked the story. The only thing I didn't like is I felt there really wasn't much of an ending. I hate to say too much without giving anything away but I kind of felt some closures where missing. The ending definitely mentioned the characters in her upcoming book 3 so maybe there will be more closure in that book that also helps closure for this book. Otherwise, it was good.
April 12, 2024
I like this author, and I loved this story! The only problem was that the younger brother's shadow LOOMED! Cyrus was mentioned too many times, 100 to be exact! And the husband (Dawson) was mentioned 129 times, see what I mean? Poor Dawson, he was such an honourable, protective, kind, and loving person. I think he got a bit of a raw deal with the yelling and judgment!
Re-read December 2025
This is one of those feel-good reads! The best part of the story was Dawson, and how well the author handled the hero's unrequited love! When two oddballs meet, he falls in love while she doesn't, until she does...
Adrianna was also a lovely, kind heroine. I liked how she evolved and came to understand how sweet and dependable Dawson could be, and how she could be his strength, too. It's a good example of how love makes people stronger and help face their demons!
Favourite Quotes -
“Adriana had never been comfortable around him. Nevertheless, Dawson had been charmed by her warm, husky laughter and sunny smiles—always shared with Cyrus, of course.
Dawson had never been included, and it… hurt.”
“If Cyrus possessed a single wit, he would hightail it back to England on receipt of her letter and marry her with a special license within the hour of his return. If asked, Dawson would stand witness to their marriage. He would offer them a place to live on the family estate, he would sit across the dinner table with them, and he would watch their children grow. And as he endured the torture, he would be happy for them and never show even a hint of the pain ripping his heart in little pieces.”
“It was just that Dawson was… steady. Strong. Confident. Being in his orbit offered a comfort she sorely craved. He was a reminder of her carefree childhood and her only connection with Cyrus beyond his infrequent letters. Surely that explained why Dawson had been dominating her thoughts.”
“You don’t love me.”
Oh, but he did.”
“You will wait for me?”
He had already waited an eternity, but would wait forever if necessary. “Always.”
“He was used to putting his own wants and needs aside for the greater good, first while serving England during war and then when he’d assumed the responsibility of his title.”
“I realize we were not as close as you and my brother, but that does not mean I don’t care for you. The burden I could not bear is if you were hurt and forced to marry a cruel man. You deserve better. You deserve better than me. You deserve love and happiness.”
“So do you, Dawson.”
“I am not a poet or a painter. I have no skill in expressing flowery sentiment, but I am steadfast. I would ask you not to give up on happiness so readily. Perhaps we can find it together.” - I love the tentativeness of emotion here <3
“ In fact, she had been forced into accepting a marriage she did not want to escape a marriage that would have killed her. Theirs was no fairy tale.
She stiffened in his hold. “Thank you. You saved me from a nasty bump.”
“I would save you from all unpleasantness if I were able.”
“I was the puzzle piece that didn’t fit. You must have noticed. My family loved me, and I loved them, but they didn’t understand me. I wasn’t born charming or carefree or any of the things that made my brothers easy to be around and well-liked”
“I don’t understand the violence I feel when I think of you taking a mistress.”
“Violence?”
She cupped his cheek this time, reveling in the rasp of his night beard, to force his gaze to hers. He needed to understand the ferocity of her opinion on the matter. “If you take a mistress, I would rip every single hair out of her head. Then I would emasculate you.”
Without releasing her gaze, he said, “I had no idea you were so bloodthirsty.”
“Neither did I.”
He took her hand and pressed a warm kiss in her palm. “I promise to never take a mistress.”
“You don’t know your brother at all.” She shook her head as she was finally able to draw conclusions after studying him for the past weeks together. “In fact, I think he feels things so deeply he’s fearful of expressing himself lest he get hurt. He protects his heart. He protects everything he loves. Including you. And… me.”
“Do you want me to leave you in peace?” she asked.
He traced the neckline of her night rail with a finger. “There is no peace without you.”
Recommendation: Go for it!
Re-read December 2025
This is one of those feel-good reads! The best part of the story was Dawson, and how well the author handled the hero's unrequited love! When two oddballs meet, he falls in love while she doesn't, until she does...
Adrianna was also a lovely, kind heroine. I liked how she evolved and came to understand how sweet and dependable Dawson could be, and how she could be his strength, too. It's a good example of how love makes people stronger and help face their demons!
Favourite Quotes -
“Adriana had never been comfortable around him. Nevertheless, Dawson had been charmed by her warm, husky laughter and sunny smiles—always shared with Cyrus, of course.
Dawson had never been included, and it… hurt.”
“If Cyrus possessed a single wit, he would hightail it back to England on receipt of her letter and marry her with a special license within the hour of his return. If asked, Dawson would stand witness to their marriage. He would offer them a place to live on the family estate, he would sit across the dinner table with them, and he would watch their children grow. And as he endured the torture, he would be happy for them and never show even a hint of the pain ripping his heart in little pieces.”
“It was just that Dawson was… steady. Strong. Confident. Being in his orbit offered a comfort she sorely craved. He was a reminder of her carefree childhood and her only connection with Cyrus beyond his infrequent letters. Surely that explained why Dawson had been dominating her thoughts.”
“You don’t love me.”
Oh, but he did.”
“You will wait for me?”
He had already waited an eternity, but would wait forever if necessary. “Always.”
“He was used to putting his own wants and needs aside for the greater good, first while serving England during war and then when he’d assumed the responsibility of his title.”
“I realize we were not as close as you and my brother, but that does not mean I don’t care for you. The burden I could not bear is if you were hurt and forced to marry a cruel man. You deserve better. You deserve better than me. You deserve love and happiness.”
“So do you, Dawson.”
“I am not a poet or a painter. I have no skill in expressing flowery sentiment, but I am steadfast. I would ask you not to give up on happiness so readily. Perhaps we can find it together.” - I love the tentativeness of emotion here <3
“ In fact, she had been forced into accepting a marriage she did not want to escape a marriage that would have killed her. Theirs was no fairy tale.
She stiffened in his hold. “Thank you. You saved me from a nasty bump.”
“I would save you from all unpleasantness if I were able.”
“I was the puzzle piece that didn’t fit. You must have noticed. My family loved me, and I loved them, but they didn’t understand me. I wasn’t born charming or carefree or any of the things that made my brothers easy to be around and well-liked”
“I don’t understand the violence I feel when I think of you taking a mistress.”
“Violence?”
She cupped his cheek this time, reveling in the rasp of his night beard, to force his gaze to hers. He needed to understand the ferocity of her opinion on the matter. “If you take a mistress, I would rip every single hair out of her head. Then I would emasculate you.”
Without releasing her gaze, he said, “I had no idea you were so bloodthirsty.”
“Neither did I.”
He took her hand and pressed a warm kiss in her palm. “I promise to never take a mistress.”
“You don’t know your brother at all.” She shook her head as she was finally able to draw conclusions after studying him for the past weeks together. “In fact, I think he feels things so deeply he’s fearful of expressing himself lest he get hurt. He protects his heart. He protects everything he loves. Including you. And… me.”
“Do you want me to leave you in peace?” she asked.
He traced the neckline of her night rail with a finger. “There is no peace without you.”
Recommendation: Go for it!
November 17, 2023
As an amateur lepidopterist, Adriana Coffey would like nothing more than to live a quiet life in the country and await Cyrus Shaw’s return from his grand tour. After all, an understanding has existed between them since childhood. Unfortunately, with Cyrus out of the country, her father tries to arrange a marriage with her detestable stepbrother. Dawson Shaw, the new Earl of Westhorpe, would like nothing more than to shake some sense into Cyrus. So Dawson offers to marry Adriana & she feels like she has no choice but to accept.
I love it when a romance is different & this was different. Adriana is a delight & Dawson so utterly in love with her. I love that her assumptions about Dawson were totally wrong. The chemistry sizzles & I loved how Adriana fell in love. Well written, wonderful characters, well paced story & a romance which will warm your heart
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I love it when a romance is different & this was different. Adriana is a delight & Dawson so utterly in love with her. I love that her assumptions about Dawson were totally wrong. The chemistry sizzles & I loved how Adriana fell in love. Well written, wonderful characters, well paced story & a romance which will warm your heart
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 30, 2025
This was very steamy and romantic. I didn’t get a satisfying resolution for the bad guy though.
Also, I believe that marrying your step brother was illegal in England at this time. You couldn't marry your wife's sister if your wife died, so I don't think you could marry your step brother for the same reason. You were considered siblings, even by marriage and could not marry.
Also, I believe that marrying your step brother was illegal in England at this time. You couldn't marry your wife's sister if your wife died, so I don't think you could marry your step brother for the same reason. You were considered siblings, even by marriage and could not marry.
November 23, 2023
The Marriage Experiment by Laura Trentham, book two in the Laws of Attraction series, is another wonderful read; filled with amusing banter, magnetic attraction, chemistry, and a marriage of convenience with a white knight.
Adriana Coffey would like nothing more than to live a quiet life in the country and await her friend, Cyrus Shaw’s return from his grand tour. After all, an understanding has existed between them since childhood. Unfortunately, with Cyrus out of the country, she faces the overwhelming pressure being put on her to marry a man she fears. Having extracted a promise from her father, Adriana realizes that it means very little in the face of her stepmother's ambition and her despicable step-brother's greed. Her rescue comes from an unexpected source when Dawson, the Earl of Westhorpe offers her marriage in place of his absent brother, and given the dire circumstances, Adriana knows she has to accept it. Despite Dawson's stoic appearance, Adriana begins to see beyond the mask he wears and discovers a man who is intelligent, loyal, passionate, and protective. Dawson has kept himself away from the rakish life his brother is enjoying and has focused on other things, namely Adriana his childhood friend. He has loved Adriana from afar for years, and it is no hardship for him to take her as his wife, except for the fact that he feels that he is betraying his brother Cyrus. As they spend time together, there is a growing awareness and before long, their simmering passion bursts into flames. Unfortunately, their day of reckoning comes all too quickly and Adriana has to make her choice all over again; Dawson or Cyrus.
I loved reading this book and had a great deal of trouble putting this book down. Ms. Trentham wrote a beautiful love story that should not be missed; a passionate journey with unrequited love for Dawson, and the awakening of love for Adriana. This marriage of convenience, friends to lovers doesn't hold back, it's an experiment in connection, belonging, trust, desire, passion and love. The sizzle between Dawson and Adriana is off the charts as they discover the depths of their feelings for one another. I highly recommend The Marriage Experiment to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Adriana Coffey would like nothing more than to live a quiet life in the country and await her friend, Cyrus Shaw’s return from his grand tour. After all, an understanding has existed between them since childhood. Unfortunately, with Cyrus out of the country, she faces the overwhelming pressure being put on her to marry a man she fears. Having extracted a promise from her father, Adriana realizes that it means very little in the face of her stepmother's ambition and her despicable step-brother's greed. Her rescue comes from an unexpected source when Dawson, the Earl of Westhorpe offers her marriage in place of his absent brother, and given the dire circumstances, Adriana knows she has to accept it. Despite Dawson's stoic appearance, Adriana begins to see beyond the mask he wears and discovers a man who is intelligent, loyal, passionate, and protective. Dawson has kept himself away from the rakish life his brother is enjoying and has focused on other things, namely Adriana his childhood friend. He has loved Adriana from afar for years, and it is no hardship for him to take her as his wife, except for the fact that he feels that he is betraying his brother Cyrus. As they spend time together, there is a growing awareness and before long, their simmering passion bursts into flames. Unfortunately, their day of reckoning comes all too quickly and Adriana has to make her choice all over again; Dawson or Cyrus.
I loved reading this book and had a great deal of trouble putting this book down. Ms. Trentham wrote a beautiful love story that should not be missed; a passionate journey with unrequited love for Dawson, and the awakening of love for Adriana. This marriage of convenience, friends to lovers doesn't hold back, it's an experiment in connection, belonging, trust, desire, passion and love. The sizzle between Dawson and Adriana is off the charts as they discover the depths of their feelings for one another. I highly recommend The Marriage Experiment to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 30, 2024
This was an enjoyable and satisfying read, especially for anyone who loves a story where the man is completely in love from the very beginning. The relationship between Adriana and Dawson was genuinely healthy, sweet, and emotionally grounded. Both characters had real depth, which made it easy to connect with them and understand their growth.
Dawson, in particular, was a standout character. He is dynamic in a quiet, understated way—intelligent, intense, and deeply kind. As a soldier, he is steady, principled, and calm, yet just a little shy. He avoids crowds, but his love for his people is fierce and unwavering, and he would do anything to protect them. The way he loves—quietly, loyally, and with complete devotion—is incredibly heartwarming, evolving from something earnest into something fiery.
I especially appreciated how much he respected Adriana. Even when he believed his feelings were one-sided, he understood that his affection was his burden to carry, not her responsibility. His shyness and emotional depth were beautifully written and felt like a realistic portrayal of adult shyness—often misunderstood by those who don’t truly know him.
This story leans more toward internal conflict than action, focusing on emotional growth and self-discovery rather than constant plot-driven tension. The spice level is about a 5/10, striking a nice balance between intimacy and story. Overall, a great read and one that’s definitely going on my favourites list.
Sept 24-26, 2024 and Jan 5-7, 2026.
Dawson, in particular, was a standout character. He is dynamic in a quiet, understated way—intelligent, intense, and deeply kind. As a soldier, he is steady, principled, and calm, yet just a little shy. He avoids crowds, but his love for his people is fierce and unwavering, and he would do anything to protect them. The way he loves—quietly, loyally, and with complete devotion—is incredibly heartwarming, evolving from something earnest into something fiery.
I especially appreciated how much he respected Adriana. Even when he believed his feelings were one-sided, he understood that his affection was his burden to carry, not her responsibility. His shyness and emotional depth were beautifully written and felt like a realistic portrayal of adult shyness—often misunderstood by those who don’t truly know him.
This story leans more toward internal conflict than action, focusing on emotional growth and self-discovery rather than constant plot-driven tension. The spice level is about a 5/10, striking a nice balance between intimacy and story. Overall, a great read and one that’s definitely going on my favourites list.
Sept 24-26, 2024 and Jan 5-7, 2026.
November 14, 2023
I like Adriana. She is different and doesn't conform to Society. She is interested in moths and likes to spend her time in the garden. She has had an understanding with a man she has known since childhood, but he is away on the Continent having a good time. Her father thinks she should marry her stepbrother, but that will never happen. He is cold and cruel. When she defies him, he tries to force the issue. Then Dawson steps in. He is the brother of her intended. Dawson has always loved Adriana but never said anything because she was always so enamored of his brother. He finally convinces Adriana to marry him so she will be safe. She doesn't need to know that he has ulterior motives. As they are settling into their married life and they think everything will be great, Dawson's brother, Cyrus, shows up. Will she get her marriage annulled or stay with Dawson?
November 13, 2023
Adriana and Dawson are combustible together! He’s a man who is loyal, passionate and protective. She’s a girl who is innocent and in need of protection. Her situation was untenable and he swooped in and married her before she was ruined by her stepbrother. I loved Dawson’s character he is strong and gentle. He teaches a very willing Adriana that the carnal side of love is addictive. The steam level in this story is a 10. Loved it!!
February 26, 2024
Loved it more than the first one in the series. I think that character development and chemistry was better in this one.
November 10, 2023
The Marriage Experiment is the second book in the delightful Laws of Attraction series. We met Adriana briefly in the first book, The Courtship Calculation, and I’m glad we now get to enjoy her full story. Everything Laura Trentham writes is a winner to me, but sometimes the characters and storyline just feel extra special from the beginning and I fall right in love with them. The Marriage Experiment is one of those times. Maybe it’s because Trentham said her inspiration for this book was the song "Jesse's Girl" by Rick Springfield. Well who doesn’t love that song and wish the guy on the outside looking in gets the girl?? Whatever it is, Adriana and Dawson captured my heart and held on until THE END.
Adriana is a woman society considers too smart for her own good. What is an amateur lepidopterist, anyway, and why would any young woman want to be one instead of hunting for a husband? She is beautiful, intelligent, full of spirit and fire – and underappreciated and undervalued by society. Even though I understand how it was in Regency times and even though I read many historical romances, I always manage to get myself worked up over the way women were (mis)treated, ignored, forced to enter marriages that were unhappy, unhealthy and often unsafe merely because the men said so and it was for the good of the family, the estate, the whatever. Adriana’s father earned a fair amount of wrath from me when he acquiesced to his wife’s pressure and agreed that Adriana should marry her evil, boorish, loutish, cruel, mean (get the picture?) stepbrother Richard Pace-Verney to “keep her future secure, keep the estate in the family” and blah, blah, blah.
Adriana is of legal age and doesn’t have to agree to marry anyone, but the pressure from her father is intense, and he won’t listen to any criticism of Pace-Verney. She and everyone else always assumed she would marry her neighbor and childhood friend, Cyrus Shaw, once he grew up a bit and decided to settle down. Not a burning love there but they’d always been close and seemed to understand each other. Except things are heating up at home, Cyrus is off in another country gallivanting and getting the most out of life, just like all the other young dandies – and when she sends him an urgent plea to come home at once and marry her to save her from Pace-Verney, Cyrus doesn’t exactly jump on his horse and hurry home.
Fortunately (very, very, very fortunately as it turns out – yes, you can swoon now) for Adriana, Cyrus’s stepbrother Dawson, the new Earl of Westhorpe through the tragic loss of father and older brothers, realizes how upset Adriana is when she asks him to send her letter to Cyrus, and Dawson reads the letter. And from that moment on this story is sweet, sexy, spicy, swoony, spectacular.
Dawson is the ex-soldier, the serious one, the one who never expected to be in charge, the one who doesn’t find it necessary to do the Grand Tour before settling down. And Dawson is also the one who has always truly loved Adriana but would never have dreamt of venturing where he assumed he brother wanted to be, was meant to be. Until Cyrus doesn’t come back to rescue Adriana and it’s clear Evil Richard will stop at nothing to force the marriage and secure that estate.
So . . . Dawson and Adriana are married. He is an Earl, a neighbor, an old family friend, respected. Her father won’t object. But will Cyrus? For that matter, will Adriana? And to what lengths will Richard go to take back what he thinks is rightfully his?
Need I say more? Trentham is a master at words and emotions and scenes and action – and best of all, at romance. Watching Dawson and Adriana circle each other, and then seeing that circle become smaller and smaller and smaller as they were drawn to each other, was heart-stoppingly satisfying. I loved these characters, I loved this story, and I cannot wait for the next book in this wonderful series. Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy of The Marriage Experiment as part of her review crew. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Adriana is a woman society considers too smart for her own good. What is an amateur lepidopterist, anyway, and why would any young woman want to be one instead of hunting for a husband? She is beautiful, intelligent, full of spirit and fire – and underappreciated and undervalued by society. Even though I understand how it was in Regency times and even though I read many historical romances, I always manage to get myself worked up over the way women were (mis)treated, ignored, forced to enter marriages that were unhappy, unhealthy and often unsafe merely because the men said so and it was for the good of the family, the estate, the whatever. Adriana’s father earned a fair amount of wrath from me when he acquiesced to his wife’s pressure and agreed that Adriana should marry her evil, boorish, loutish, cruel, mean (get the picture?) stepbrother Richard Pace-Verney to “keep her future secure, keep the estate in the family” and blah, blah, blah.
Adriana is of legal age and doesn’t have to agree to marry anyone, but the pressure from her father is intense, and he won’t listen to any criticism of Pace-Verney. She and everyone else always assumed she would marry her neighbor and childhood friend, Cyrus Shaw, once he grew up a bit and decided to settle down. Not a burning love there but they’d always been close and seemed to understand each other. Except things are heating up at home, Cyrus is off in another country gallivanting and getting the most out of life, just like all the other young dandies – and when she sends him an urgent plea to come home at once and marry her to save her from Pace-Verney, Cyrus doesn’t exactly jump on his horse and hurry home.
Fortunately (very, very, very fortunately as it turns out – yes, you can swoon now) for Adriana, Cyrus’s stepbrother Dawson, the new Earl of Westhorpe through the tragic loss of father and older brothers, realizes how upset Adriana is when she asks him to send her letter to Cyrus, and Dawson reads the letter. And from that moment on this story is sweet, sexy, spicy, swoony, spectacular.
Dawson is the ex-soldier, the serious one, the one who never expected to be in charge, the one who doesn’t find it necessary to do the Grand Tour before settling down. And Dawson is also the one who has always truly loved Adriana but would never have dreamt of venturing where he assumed he brother wanted to be, was meant to be. Until Cyrus doesn’t come back to rescue Adriana and it’s clear Evil Richard will stop at nothing to force the marriage and secure that estate.
So . . . Dawson and Adriana are married. He is an Earl, a neighbor, an old family friend, respected. Her father won’t object. But will Cyrus? For that matter, will Adriana? And to what lengths will Richard go to take back what he thinks is rightfully his?
Need I say more? Trentham is a master at words and emotions and scenes and action – and best of all, at romance. Watching Dawson and Adriana circle each other, and then seeing that circle become smaller and smaller and smaller as they were drawn to each other, was heart-stoppingly satisfying. I loved these characters, I loved this story, and I cannot wait for the next book in this wonderful series. Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy of The Marriage Experiment as part of her review crew. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
November 19, 2023
To save childhood friend Adriana from a forced marriage, Dawson steps in to rescue her. However she only has eyes for his brother who is away, can he hope that someday she might come to love him as well?
Dawson is a true hero. He's has kept himself away from the rakish life his brother is enjoying and has focused on other things, namely Adriana his childhood friend. Adriana considers herself different than the other girls, she likes drawing bugs and studying them. I found both of these characters to have such depth to them and was captivated by their tender love story. Both have the same fears about not fitting in and whether or not the other truly loves them. They fit perfectly.
The steam in this book is off the charts. I love reading Laura Trentham books, she weaves a great story, however I must be honest and say what brought this down a notch for me was that there was so unnecessary dialogue and coupling. Yes, the steam added to the story but only so much, then it became too much and I found Dawson saying the f-word over and over a bit too crass for this type of story. Then there were scenes that just dragged on and on like when they were at the inn or first at Fernlow Manor. While it was a nice story of them learning to love each other, I found the story really didn't go anywhere once they had married.
This story does lead into the next book of the series which looks promising.
Overall a story I wasnt quite thrilled with but still a lovely romance.
I received an advanced copy but my review and thoughts are freely given.
Dawson is a true hero. He's has kept himself away from the rakish life his brother is enjoying and has focused on other things, namely Adriana his childhood friend. Adriana considers herself different than the other girls, she likes drawing bugs and studying them. I found both of these characters to have such depth to them and was captivated by their tender love story. Both have the same fears about not fitting in and whether or not the other truly loves them. They fit perfectly.
The steam in this book is off the charts. I love reading Laura Trentham books, she weaves a great story, however I must be honest and say what brought this down a notch for me was that there was so unnecessary dialogue and coupling. Yes, the steam added to the story but only so much, then it became too much and I found Dawson saying the f-word over and over a bit too crass for this type of story. Then there were scenes that just dragged on and on like when they were at the inn or first at Fernlow Manor. While it was a nice story of them learning to love each other, I found the story really didn't go anywhere once they had married.
This story does lead into the next book of the series which looks promising.
Overall a story I wasnt quite thrilled with but still a lovely romance.
I received an advanced copy but my review and thoughts are freely given.
November 18, 2023
My heart goes out to Adriana Coffey in this heartwarming romance as she faces the overwhelming pressure being put on her to marry a man she fears. Having extracted a promise from her father, Adriana realizes that it means very little in the face of her stepmother's ambition and her step-brother's greed. Her salvation comes from an unexpected source when Dawson, the Earl of Westhorpe offers her marriage in place of his absent brother, and given the dire circumstances, Adiana knows she has to accept it. Despite Dawson's stoic appearance, Adiana begins to see beyond the mask he wears and discovers a man who is both intelligent and protective. Dawson has loved Adriana from afar for years, and it is no hardship for him to take her as his wife, except for the fact that he feels that he is betraying his brother Cyrus. As the couple spend time together, there is a growing awareness and before long, their simmering passion bursts into flames. Unfortunately, their day of reckoning comes all too quickly and Adriana has to make her choice all over again. The novel fortunately does come to a very good conclusion as Dawson and Adriana discover the depths of their feelings for one another. I received a copy of this romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
September 28, 2026
Liked this one better than the first in the series. Dawson is definitely on the sweeter side of MMCs, even if he did take advantage of Adrianna’s plight to maneuver her into marrying him before really considering other options because it was what he wanted. Honestly, with all the avoidant MMCs I’ve been reading lately, it’s refreshing to have one who desperately wants to marry!
Most of the supporting cast (Adrianna’s family, Dawson’s brother Cyrus, the neighbors, the housekeeper, etc) were pretty uniformly unpleasant which I found a little surprising, except I guess it served to push Adrianna and Dawson closer together.
The only interesting side character was Wyn, the agent Dawson had hired to watch out for Adrianna while she was still in her father’s house and subject to her stepmother and stepbrother’s attacks. I am curious to get his story with astronomer friend we haven’t actually met yet.
Most of the supporting cast (Adrianna’s family, Dawson’s brother Cyrus, the neighbors, the housekeeper, etc) were pretty uniformly unpleasant which I found a little surprising, except I guess it served to push Adrianna and Dawson closer together.
The only interesting side character was Wyn, the agent Dawson had hired to watch out for Adrianna while she was still in her father’s house and subject to her stepmother and stepbrother’s attacks. I am curious to get his story with astronomer friend we haven’t actually met yet.
November 16, 2023
Dawson, Dawson, Dawson…swoon. If only every man were like Dawson. The love between Dawson and Adriana progressively grows as the story goes on which was chef’s kiss delightful. Dawson is very protective when it comes to Adriana which is another plus in my book. Let’s talk Adriana. I love that she is proud of what she does, she doesn’t bow down and she speaks her mind whether it be about what she thinks or about what she wants to learn (in the bedroom). These two explode on the pages.
Dawson is now firmly on my book boyfriend list. He is so worthy of being on that list.
I want to know if Cyrus grows and what happened with Miss Chester and will she finally get an HEA. But up next is Selwyn and Geneva. The assassin and the astronomer. Looking forward to that one.
Laura’s stories will intrigue you, draw you in and make you smile. Fantastic.
I received a complimentary copy.
Dawson is now firmly on my book boyfriend list. He is so worthy of being on that list.
I want to know if Cyrus grows and what happened with Miss Chester and will she finally get an HEA. But up next is Selwyn and Geneva. The assassin and the astronomer. Looking forward to that one.
Laura’s stories will intrigue you, draw you in and make you smile. Fantastic.
I received a complimentary copy.
March 18, 2025
simplesmente apx por essas mulheres aqui deste universo. que delícia!
é muito bem escrito, envolvente, tudo bem formuladinho... dá um gosto enorme de ler!
a série que tem algumas personagens relacionadas às personagens daqui é ok, mas nossa, bem menos interessante.
esta série é beeem melhor.
quero mais mulheres inteligentes e curiosas na minha vida <3
li correndo, nossa
e o hot ó... 5/5
é muito bem escrito, envolvente, tudo bem formuladinho... dá um gosto enorme de ler!
a série que tem algumas personagens relacionadas às personagens daqui é ok, mas nossa, bem menos interessante.
esta série é beeem melhor.
quero mais mulheres inteligentes e curiosas na minha vida <3
li correndo, nossa
e o hot ó... 5/5
February 7, 2026
If you are going to write a book about England in the Regency period, it is not a good move to write it so obviously from an American Author. We don’t talk about the Fall in England, it is called Autumn. Monarch butterflies don’t come to England. The plot is good but it is peppered with Americanisms which is grating.
November 14, 2023
I adored this romance. Unrequited love for Dawson, and the awakening of love for Adriana. What an awesome and passionate journey. This marriage of convenience, friends to lovers doesn't hold back, it's an experiment in connection, belonging, trust, desire, passion and love.
November 18, 2023
This was an entertaining, well-written historical romance. It was fun, sweet, charming, steamy and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this historical romance and look forward to reading more books by this author.
January 4, 2024
The experiment worked
Loved this book. Dawson is so sweet! And the heat factor is ooh-lala. A Strong woman deserves a strong man. And that's exactly what Adriana gets. Trentham has another hit on her hands.
Loved this book. Dawson is so sweet! And the heat factor is ooh-lala. A Strong woman deserves a strong man. And that's exactly what Adriana gets. Trentham has another hit on her hands.
January 18, 2024
You need to write faster!!
July 25, 2026
Laura is a new-to-me author in the historical romance world, and I’ll need to check out the rest of her backlist because this one was fabulous! 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 9, 2025
I enjoyed this book. Adriana is interesting, intelligent, kind, and open minded. Dawson is so caring and supportive; stoic with a hidden soft side. I am such a sucker for a MMC who has loved our FMC forever. I was upset with how the 'villains' of this story were handled. Maybe I am simply less forgiving than ODC, but I would have liked to see some punishments for both Adriana's family and Cyrus.
September 16, 2025
Finally a marriage of convenience book where the hero is not doing the noble thing to bed his wife till the last 20 pages of the book instead took a more practical approach of living as a married couple supporting each others interests.
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