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The Secrets of Nedworth Hall #1
The Wicked Heir
Every guest invited to the house party at Nedworth Hall has a secret.
Lady Patience Wycombe has been sent to Nedworth Hall for the summer under protest. Why should she be prevailed upon to spend her summer conversing with people when she would much rather stay in London with her books for company? She is determined to ignore her mother’s wish that she find a husband…
…until the most notorious rake in London singles her out for sin.
Arden Covington’s reputation was ruined from the moment he was born. He has always embraced his wickedness…and made it profitable. But few people know the reason he is constantly in need of money, or that he has a sentimental heart. So when Lady Patience shows no fear in the face of his attempts to seduce her, he falls for her hard and fast.
But with everyone at the house party eager to discover the identity of Lord Carshalton’s mysterious heir, will Arden have the freedom to pursue Patience, or will another suitor with sordid intentions compromise her first?
PLEASE BE ADVISED – Steam Very Hot!
The Secrets of Nedworth Hall consists
THE WICKED HEIR
THE ENRAPTURED HEIR
THE SURPRISE HEIR
…and more to come!
Lady Patience Wycombe has been sent to Nedworth Hall for the summer under protest. Why should she be prevailed upon to spend her summer conversing with people when she would much rather stay in London with her books for company? She is determined to ignore her mother’s wish that she find a husband…
…until the most notorious rake in London singles her out for sin.
Arden Covington’s reputation was ruined from the moment he was born. He has always embraced his wickedness…and made it profitable. But few people know the reason he is constantly in need of money, or that he has a sentimental heart. So when Lady Patience shows no fear in the face of his attempts to seduce her, he falls for her hard and fast.
But with everyone at the house party eager to discover the identity of Lord Carshalton’s mysterious heir, will Arden have the freedom to pursue Patience, or will another suitor with sordid intentions compromise her first?
PLEASE BE ADVISED – Steam Very Hot!
The Secrets of Nedworth Hall consists
THE WICKED HEIR
THE ENRAPTURED HEIR
THE SURPRISE HEIR
…and more to come!
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2023
287 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Merry Farmer
292 books1,139 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Justine and Peter. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized she didn't have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. Her books have reached the top of Amazon's charts, and have been named finalists for several prestigious awards, including the RONE Award for indie romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 5, 2024
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 These were shorter and less developed than I thought they’d be. Maybe due to the shorter page count?
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: Not too far in, about 10% or so
Cliffhanger: No this ends with an implied happily ever after
Epilogue: No
Format: read e-book (kindle unlimited)
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Farmer’s The Secrets of Nedworth Hall series
Basic plot:
Patience and Arden are both attending a house party where everyone is eager to discover the identity of the missing heir – but are immediately attracted to each other instead of the mystery.
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian – 1890
- country setting
- bespectacled heroine
- bluestocking heroine – she’s interested in women’s suffrage and education
- house party mystery
- instalust
- curvy heroine? I didn’t pick up on it at first, but in a second steamy scene the hero says ‘You are not fat, my lady. You are pleasingly juicy, like a forbidden fruit.’
- medium to higher steam – 3 scenes in a shorter page count
Ages:
- heroine is 27, didn’t catch hero
First line:
Cambridgeshire was the very last place Lady Patience Wycombe wanted to be, despite how freely her mother, the Marchioness of Fleming, sang its praises.
My thoughts:
Eww we have the word penis here.
Anyway – I liked the idea of everyone together at a house party! I felt like Arden’s character was more developed than Patience. I felt like I knew him a bit better and he had a better developed background. I thought Patience needed a bit more with her reserved personality I felt like I didn’t know her. It’s stated she’s interested in books and women’s suffrage and education but I wanted to see how exactly – what was she involved in/doing?
This story definitely has instalust vibes.
Arden asks Patience to marry him and they have a discussion. And he says all the wrong reasons to get married include having nothing in common other than an infatuation with each other. But – they didn’t know each other before this book started. And I’ve seen the 2-3 interactions they’ve had over the course of, what, two days? And they definitely don’t know each other or what they have in common 😂 We just know that they both read books. So I’m not sure what he’s talking about here and why they would be such an amazing match.
And I was kind of appalled at how Patience just roots through all of Arden’s private correspondence in his room without care – reading tons of his personal letters which she knows he probably wouldn’t want her reading…
That combined with how Patience out of nowhere demands Arden seduce her – I guess I just didn’t feel the tension in this one.
Still those wanting a steamy, shorter story with a bit of house party fun should give this one a go!
Endearments
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:Any mistakes/typos are my own
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 These were shorter and less developed than I thought they’d be. Maybe due to the shorter page count?
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: Not too far in, about 10% or so
Cliffhanger: No this ends with an implied happily ever after
Epilogue: No
Format: read e-book (kindle unlimited)
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Farmer’s The Secrets of Nedworth Hall series
Basic plot:
Patience and Arden are both attending a house party where everyone is eager to discover the identity of the missing heir – but are immediately attracted to each other instead of the mystery.
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian – 1890
- country setting
- bespectacled heroine
- bluestocking heroine – she’s interested in women’s suffrage and education
- house party mystery
- instalust
- curvy heroine? I didn’t pick up on it at first, but in a second steamy scene the hero says ‘You are not fat, my lady. You are pleasingly juicy, like a forbidden fruit.’
- medium to higher steam – 3 scenes in a shorter page count
Ages:
- heroine is 27, didn’t catch hero
First line:
Cambridgeshire was the very last place Lady Patience Wycombe wanted to be, despite how freely her mother, the Marchioness of Fleming, sang its praises.
My thoughts:
Eww we have the word penis here.
Anyway – I liked the idea of everyone together at a house party! I felt like Arden’s character was more developed than Patience. I felt like I knew him a bit better and he had a better developed background. I thought Patience needed a bit more with her reserved personality I felt like I didn’t know her. It’s stated she’s interested in books and women’s suffrage and education but I wanted to see how exactly – what was she involved in/doing?
This story definitely has instalust vibes.
Arden asks Patience to marry him and they have a discussion. And he says all the wrong reasons to get married include having nothing in common other than an infatuation with each other. But – they didn’t know each other before this book started. And I’ve seen the 2-3 interactions they’ve had over the course of, what, two days? And they definitely don’t know each other or what they have in common 😂 We just know that they both read books. So I’m not sure what he’s talking about here and why they would be such an amazing match.
And I was kind of appalled at how Patience just roots through all of Arden’s private correspondence in his room without care – reading tons of his personal letters which she knows he probably wouldn’t want her reading…
That combined with how Patience out of nowhere demands Arden seduce her – I guess I just didn’t feel the tension in this one.
Still those wanting a steamy, shorter story with a bit of house party fun should give this one a go!
Endearments
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:Any mistakes/typos are my own
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
January 15, 2024
⭐⭐⭐
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Somewhat interesting beginning of the story about the guessing game or “mystery” about the heir.
A house party setting/country setting.
A heroine that is a little bit “older” (27)
➖ What I disliked:
The “mystery” about the heir is a cliffhanger and it is not resolved/revealed who it is… not any real clues either.
Even for a novella/short story the romantic build up and chemistry felt rushed.
The story really needed to be longer because many parts of the end of the story is underdeveloped and unresolved….
Did Patience and Arden (the main characters) get married? What did the heroines parents think about the hero (and his background etc.?) Did they object to the marriage ?
Did the heroine like working at the orphanage? Etc.
A little too much miscommunication and misunderstandings/misconceptions…. Especially for a novella/short story.
The heroine was somewhat annoying but also her lack of regard/respect for the heroes right to his privacy is rather appalling.
(The heroine searches through the heroes room and reads the heroes private letters without a care and does not think it is wrong to do that.... and she does not apologize when she caught doing it! And she does this two times!)
The heroine is also contrary/contradictory and indecisive.
(She says she does not want to be seduced and some other things about how women were treated…. But then out of the blue she more or less demands the hero seduces her.)
Kind of vague character description of both the main characters… especially about the heroine.
(The little info there is suggests she is built a little bit on the curvy side … but then there is a eye-roll inducing/dumb/cringey comment/sentence like this: “You are not fat, my lady. You are pleasingly juicy, like a forbidden fruit”…. That suggests that the heroine is plus sized or full-figured.)
The heroes background and character is more developed… You know much more about him than you do about the heroine …her character is underdeveloped, the only thing you learn about her is that she is very interested in books and there are small hints that she is interested in women’s suffrage and education… but you never really get any real information on what she is involved in when it comes to those interests.
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Somewhat interesting beginning of the story about the guessing game or “mystery” about the heir.
A house party setting/country setting.
A heroine that is a little bit “older” (27)
➖ What I disliked:
The “mystery” about the heir is a cliffhanger and it is not resolved/revealed who it is… not any real clues either.
Even for a novella/short story the romantic build up and chemistry felt rushed.
The story really needed to be longer because many parts of the end of the story is underdeveloped and unresolved….
Did Patience and Arden (the main characters) get married? What did the heroines parents think about the hero (and his background etc.?) Did they object to the marriage ?
Did the heroine like working at the orphanage? Etc.
A little too much miscommunication and misunderstandings/misconceptions…. Especially for a novella/short story.
The heroine was somewhat annoying but also her lack of regard/respect for the heroes right to his privacy is rather appalling.
(The heroine searches through the heroes room and reads the heroes private letters without a care and does not think it is wrong to do that.... and she does not apologize when she caught doing it! And she does this two times!)
The heroine is also contrary/contradictory and indecisive.
(She says she does not want to be seduced and some other things about how women were treated…. But then out of the blue she more or less demands the hero seduces her.)
Kind of vague character description of both the main characters… especially about the heroine.
(The little info there is suggests she is built a little bit on the curvy side … but then there is a eye-roll inducing/dumb/cringey comment/sentence like this: “You are not fat, my lady. You are pleasingly juicy, like a forbidden fruit”…. That suggests that the heroine is plus sized or full-figured.)
The heroes background and character is more developed… You know much more about him than you do about the heroine …her character is underdeveloped, the only thing you learn about her is that she is very interested in books and there are small hints that she is interested in women’s suffrage and education… but you never really get any real information on what she is involved in when it comes to those interests.
July 12, 2023
This was an entertaining short story filled with house-party shenanigans. I love a good-hearted rake with best intentions. Arden is everything you want in a rake, wild but hiding a selfless dogooder. Patience will need all of her patience in dealing with his pursuit. All she wants is to be left alone to read, but is instead roped into a summer of mischief at the house party. But it turns out, she is hiding her own mischievous personality behind those charming spectacles. These two misfits will turn the ton on its head, and I am here for the ride!
July 6, 2023
Lady Patience Wycombe goes to a house party Nedworth Hall for the summer under protest. She would much rather stay in London with her books for company? She is determined to ignore her mother’s wish that she find a husband but is intrigued as to the identity of Lord Carshalton’s mysterious heir, then the most notorious rake in London singles her out. Arden Covington’s reputation was ruined from the moment he was born. He has always embraced his wickedness and made it profitable. But few people know the reason he is constantly in need of money, or that he has a sentimental heart. So when Lady Patience shows no fear in the face of his attempts to seduce her, he falls for her hard and fast.
The start of a new series & another lovely romance. The characters are wonderful, there’s also a mystery surrounding the unknown Carshalton heir who will inherit a fortune. I loved both Patience & Arden, their chemistry sizzles & I loved that they saw behind the social persona to the real person. A quick but delicious read. Each person invited to the house party has secrets so we’re in for a treat as they are revealed
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The start of a new series & another lovely romance. The characters are wonderful, there’s also a mystery surrounding the unknown Carshalton heir who will inherit a fortune. I loved both Patience & Arden, their chemistry sizzles & I loved that they saw behind the social persona to the real person. A quick but delicious read. Each person invited to the house party has secrets so we’re in for a treat as they are revealed
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
July 23, 2023
At Nedworth Hall, Lord and Lady Cambourne have invited single ladies and gentlemen to enjoy the summer at their house party and hopefully make a match. There is also a mystery to solve. Who is Lord Carshalton's heir? Many think it's Mr. Covington. Arden Covington has come to the party to win from playing cards and discover the heir to tap for money. Lady Patience Wycombe maybe the heir and he has no qualms about seducing her. Everyone is guessing the identity of the heir, but Patience and Arden are more interested in discovering each other then discovering the identity of the heir. STEAMY HOT OPEN BEDROOM DOOR WITH NAUGHTY HUMOR!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
March 11, 2025
Quería leer esto para entretenerme un rato y quedé con la duda de quién es ese condenado lord o lady. Cómo que tendré que leerme los que siguen 🙄
February 18, 2025
"I do want you. How could I not? You are a bright star in an otherwise dull field... And you are beautiful, because of your spectacles, not despite them."
4.25 stars
This was my first novel by Merry Farmer, and it definitely won't be the last! I loved Farmer's writing style as I was easily enraptured by the mystery surrounding the secret Carshalton heir and the all-consuming romance that quickly bloomed between Arden and Patience. Arden was a known rake who was used to employing his charm as a way to gain donations for his mother's orphanage. Patience was a spinster who was happiest surrounded by books and was loathe to participate in any social events. I loved watching these two vastly different souls interact and find love and acceptance in each other, and I am so excited to continue this series!🖤
Tropes: insta-lust, opposites attract, rakehell hero with a heart of gold, bluestocking heroine, forced proximity, he falls first, hidden past, summer house party shenanigans, class difference, STEAMY🔥
August 7, 2023
This is only my 11th book by Merry Farmer. I hadn't read her until she wrote a series with Scarlett Scott and Caroline Lee. I started reading her in Jan, 2020.
To be truthful. she is one of those authors for me that when I am out of TBR books on my kindle and my regular authors don't have any new releases coming out yet, I will pick up her books. That doesn't mean that aren't good reads. As a matter of fact, all the books I have read of hers have been really good reads but she just doesn't always write in my genre and she has quite a few books out that are only just over 100 pgs. I prefer longer reads and I'm a Regency snob.
But with all that being said, I really loved this book. Super short read but I loved Patience and Arden. I loved their story and their personalities. I also loved the mystery within the story. For such a short read, sex was pretty hot. Can't wait to read more.
To be truthful. she is one of those authors for me that when I am out of TBR books on my kindle and my regular authors don't have any new releases coming out yet, I will pick up her books. That doesn't mean that aren't good reads. As a matter of fact, all the books I have read of hers have been really good reads but she just doesn't always write in my genre and she has quite a few books out that are only just over 100 pgs. I prefer longer reads and I'm a Regency snob.
But with all that being said, I really loved this book. Super short read but I loved Patience and Arden. I loved their story and their personalities. I also loved the mystery within the story. For such a short read, sex was pretty hot. Can't wait to read more.
September 4, 2024
a quick, fun, and steamy read!
I’ve read several of Merry’s MM romances, and this is the first of her MF romances that I’ve read. I love a historical romance, and this one was short, sweet and steamy!
Lady Patience has been sent by her mother for a summer party and Nedworth Hall, with the intention of her finding a husband. Patience would rather read and support causes she cares about then be a wife. When she’s told one of the reasons for this party is to find a mysterious heir who’s coming to a great fortune, she’s intrigued by the mystery. Then she meets the man many thing is the heir: Arden Covington. Arden’s reputation is that of a rake, taking what he wants from card tables and beds alike. Unfortunately for Patience, he also funny, charming, and very handsome. The two hit it off, even though suspect the other is the heir. In the end, as they find themselves having some intense private moments, who the heir is might not matter so much! I’m
I’ve read several of Merry’s MM romances, and this is the first of her MF romances that I’ve read. I love a historical romance, and this one was short, sweet and steamy!
Lady Patience has been sent by her mother for a summer party and Nedworth Hall, with the intention of her finding a husband. Patience would rather read and support causes she cares about then be a wife. When she’s told one of the reasons for this party is to find a mysterious heir who’s coming to a great fortune, she’s intrigued by the mystery. Then she meets the man many thing is the heir: Arden Covington. Arden’s reputation is that of a rake, taking what he wants from card tables and beds alike. Unfortunately for Patience, he also funny, charming, and very handsome. The two hit it off, even though suspect the other is the heir. In the end, as they find themselves having some intense private moments, who the heir is might not matter so much! I’m
July 6, 2023
Merry Farmer does it again. This novella is the start of another regency series set in a country estate over the course of the summer. An unusual group of men and women are brought together to solve a mystery, which one among them is a missing heir or heiress of the ton. Also, the hosts are hopeful that couples are formed with resulting marriages. Patience is a spinster and a loner, her constant companion is a book. She understands herself and where she comes from. Arden is a known rake and gambler. These two characters were great together. They both had hidden depths, were charming, and passionate. They connected immediately. I liked that Patience was not afraid of her passion, she expressed what she wanted and did not berate herself or feel shamed afterwards. Their passion was erotic and steamy and was very well written. The focus remained on these two characters and more was revealed about them as the story progressed. Arden was proud of his heritage and his mother when he could have gone in the opposite direction, it was also good to see a male character accepting himself instead of having a dark and brooding demeanor as many regency heroes have. I enjoyed the main plot, the search for the heir and didn’t mind the mystery and the search as this connects each story in the series. I liked that the couple decided to stay for the remainder of the summer to uncover the heir and get to know one another better before embarking on their life together. Other men and women were introduced which I am sure will have their own romantic story. This was not a long read. The pace of the story was fast, perhaps a little too fast, I wanted to enjoy Patience and Arden longer since they were so good together. This is recommended for fans of Merry Farmer and fans of very steamy regency stories. I received this free copy through Booksprout, I am leaving a voluntary review that is my own.
July 21, 2023
Loved this and cannot wait for more secrets from Nedworth Hall!
Wallflower Patience is forced to attend a summer house party where every guest has something that places them out of what the ton considers proper. It is a mystery to unravel what secrets everyone holds. The rumor is there is an heir that will inherit a massive amount of money at the party but no one knows who it is, not even the heir themselves. Patience loves a good mystery so she sets about trying to find them only to fall head over heels for the most notorious rake of them all. Wicked Arden Covington may be the heir to the fortune as everyone thinks so when Patience pursues him in order to find out the truth, he falls for her hard and fast only to discover his heart isnt playing a game, but is truly in love.
This was a great read, very short however, but quick and to the point. At first I didnt care for the insta-love but it does fit with the theme of the book and everyone trying to flirt and seduce to find out who the heir is.
I really didn't think Patience fit into this group, so when she attempts to seduce I was waiting for some fun with her awkwardness but she was made too polished and I didn't believe in her love with Arden. Perhaps another chapter would have helped to turn her into wanting to explore that side of her. But other than that, I thought it to be a fun story and with Merry Farmer books, you really cant go wrong. She's a great writer and I cannot wait for more from her!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wallflower Patience is forced to attend a summer house party where every guest has something that places them out of what the ton considers proper. It is a mystery to unravel what secrets everyone holds. The rumor is there is an heir that will inherit a massive amount of money at the party but no one knows who it is, not even the heir themselves. Patience loves a good mystery so she sets about trying to find them only to fall head over heels for the most notorious rake of them all. Wicked Arden Covington may be the heir to the fortune as everyone thinks so when Patience pursues him in order to find out the truth, he falls for her hard and fast only to discover his heart isnt playing a game, but is truly in love.
This was a great read, very short however, but quick and to the point. At first I didnt care for the insta-love but it does fit with the theme of the book and everyone trying to flirt and seduce to find out who the heir is.
I really didn't think Patience fit into this group, so when she attempts to seduce I was waiting for some fun with her awkwardness but she was made too polished and I didn't believe in her love with Arden. Perhaps another chapter would have helped to turn her into wanting to explore that side of her. But other than that, I thought it to be a fun story and with Merry Farmer books, you really cant go wrong. She's a great writer and I cannot wait for more from her!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2023
This was a fun read. The story takes place at a house party filled with all kinds of shenanigans.
Lady Patience Wycombe has been sent to Nedworth Hall for the summer. She is not happy about it as all she wants to do is to be left alone to read. But the hostess begins to intrigue her with a mystery that need to be solved. With a house full of guest who all hold a secret of some sort Lady Patience begins to think the summer may be more fun than she thinks.
Arden the handsome hero of our story has a bad reputation. Born on the wrong side his reputation was ruin from birth. However, not everything about Arden is as it appears and he holds a secret that could ruin his bad reputation.
When Patience and Arden meet the intrigue and the sparks heat up.
I love this story because it was light-hearted, fun and the characters are all unique in their own way. Though the story is short, it is filled with depth. I love getting to know a wee bit about all the character but even more so learning about Patience and Arden.
The author did leave me with one question and that is who really is the rightful heir. To learn that I will have to read on.
Overall, this book is a joy to read and was filled with light-hearted fun.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lady Patience Wycombe has been sent to Nedworth Hall for the summer. She is not happy about it as all she wants to do is to be left alone to read. But the hostess begins to intrigue her with a mystery that need to be solved. With a house full of guest who all hold a secret of some sort Lady Patience begins to think the summer may be more fun than she thinks.
Arden the handsome hero of our story has a bad reputation. Born on the wrong side his reputation was ruin from birth. However, not everything about Arden is as it appears and he holds a secret that could ruin his bad reputation.
When Patience and Arden meet the intrigue and the sparks heat up.
I love this story because it was light-hearted, fun and the characters are all unique in their own way. Though the story is short, it is filled with depth. I love getting to know a wee bit about all the character but even more so learning about Patience and Arden.
The author did leave me with one question and that is who really is the rightful heir. To learn that I will have to read on.
Overall, this book is a joy to read and was filled with light-hearted fun.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2025
digital book was acquired through the Stuff Your Kindle Day
Ah yes, sometimes, I do miss the instalove of a historical romance novel.
Synopsis
Lady Patience, unlike her name, doesn't have any patience for people in general. She was a spinster with glasses and love for books. During her visit to a family friend, she met with Covington, a supposed rake, but has a heart of gold. Both couldn't deny the attraction and maybe this time, Patience and Covington met their match.
What I like
Very straightforward, could be read in one sitting tbh. Very instalust (then love, like so many).
Both characters are quite interesting, just wish their story a bit longer to give a background and more...depth (I guess).
The subplot of who's the mysterious Carshalton’s heir was also interesting, tho maybe not for the first couple. I'd imagine the question of who's who would benefit more to the future couples in this series.
What I don't like
Nothing I truly dislike, but the book itself was just OK in my opinion.
Final thoughts
Might check the rest of the series since I try to rekindle my old love toward the genre.
Ah yes, sometimes, I do miss the instalove of a historical romance novel.
Synopsis
Lady Patience, unlike her name, doesn't have any patience for people in general. She was a spinster with glasses and love for books. During her visit to a family friend, she met with Covington, a supposed rake, but has a heart of gold. Both couldn't deny the attraction and maybe this time, Patience and Covington met their match.
What I like
Very straightforward, could be read in one sitting tbh. Very instalust (then love, like so many).
Both characters are quite interesting, just wish their story a bit longer to give a background and more...depth (I guess).
The subplot of who's the mysterious Carshalton’s heir was also interesting, tho maybe not for the first couple. I'd imagine the question of who's who would benefit more to the future couples in this series.
What I don't like
Nothing I truly dislike, but the book itself was just OK in my opinion.
Final thoughts
Might check the rest of the series since I try to rekindle my old love toward the genre.
July 4, 2023
Lady Patience is invited to a summer party, along with several others, but Lord and Lady Cambourne. She is very bookish and not looking forward to it, but had to due to insistence by her mother. Arden has a reputation for being a Rake, but has secrets that others aren't aware of. They find that they are drawn to each other, but in the meantime they are both trying to find the identity of an unknown heir in the group.
This is a typical Merry Farmer story, a great romp but very spicy - but all in the best possible taste. There is the mystery of who the heir is, but also the growing attraction between the two. There is also the introduction to the others in the group and I look forward to finding out who is the next couple to get together. Highly recommended, but not for those who don't like more explicit books, but even though I normally read "sweeter" stories I just can't be offended by this one.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author through Booksprout, however this did not influenced my review of the book.
This is a typical Merry Farmer story, a great romp but very spicy - but all in the best possible taste. There is the mystery of who the heir is, but also the growing attraction between the two. There is also the introduction to the others in the group and I look forward to finding out who is the next couple to get together. Highly recommended, but not for those who don't like more explicit books, but even though I normally read "sweeter" stories I just can't be offended by this one.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author through Booksprout, however this did not influenced my review of the book.
July 6, 2023
I really loved this story, and I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline as well as the characters that were involved in this story. Lady Patience Wycombe who is 27 years old and still a spinster, has been informed by her parents that she is to go to a country estate for the summer to find herself a husband. Who would think that she would fall for a notorious rake?
Mr Arden Covington is the bastard son of a Baron’s daughter who was taken advantage of by a lawyer visiting her father’s estate. Arden has the responsibility of raising funds for their orphanage. Arden has come to the house party to raise funds by gambling with the guests. He didn’t take into account that he would fall in love with The beautiful Lady Patience Wycombe. The house party is full of running from gentleman who Troy forcing ourselves on her to stumbling into secret trysts and hidden secrets as well as a search for the mysterious heir to a fortune.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mr Arden Covington is the bastard son of a Baron’s daughter who was taken advantage of by a lawyer visiting her father’s estate. Arden has the responsibility of raising funds for their orphanage. Arden has come to the house party to raise funds by gambling with the guests. He didn’t take into account that he would fall in love with The beautiful Lady Patience Wycombe. The house party is full of running from gentleman who Troy forcing ourselves on her to stumbling into secret trysts and hidden secrets as well as a search for the mysterious heir to a fortune.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2023
Patience and Arden meet at a house party meant for matchmaking and to solve the mystery of Lord Carshalton’s heir. The guests at the party were chosen by the hostess for their not quite stellar reputations (for one reason or another) Is one of them the heir? Patience has avoided suitors and prefers to be left alone with her books. She is outspoken about things she feels strongly about. Arden is illegitimate and rumored to be a consummate rake. Arden is taken with Patience immediately. It takes a while longer for Patience to admit she is interested. Patience learns that there is more to Arden than his rakish reputation. Arden sees her for the wonderful person she is. This is a fun story. The participants in the house party, with maybe an exception or two, are amusing and entertaining. Lord and Lady Colbourne are delightful. There is a happy ending for Arden and Patience, but the mystery is as yet unsolved. This is a great beginning for the series. I look forward for what is to come.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
July 22, 2023
Patience was practically forced to join the house party at Nedworth Hall for the summer. It was the home of Lady Cambourne, her mother’s good friend, both of whom were hoping Patience would find a match there. She just wanted to find a quiet place to read and be left to her own devices. However, she soon discovered that the party that was full of people with damaged reputations, also had a mystery for the guests to solve. Arden Covington, reputed to be a gambler and a rake who also attended the party, was drawn to Patience from the very moment he met her. What follows is a tale of the guests fending off unwanted advances; making assignations; playing parlor games; and gambling, all while trying to solve the mystery. Along the way love and lust takes ahold of Patience and Arden, and one match is made. This story is quick, fun, steamy and full of interesting characters with secrets just waiting to be discovered.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2025
This is the start to a great series with tons of passion, mystery and suspense in all the books. I somehow missed this first book and went back to see how it all started. Patience and Arden are an unlikely pair. She is a book worm who doesn't like crowds. Her mother and the couple giving the summer house are best friends and working together. She is shocked when on of the worst rakes at the party starts spending time with her. Arden has many secrets and keeps them hidden playing the rake, gambling. He is handsome as sin and women willing fall into his bed. A large part of the party is to find out who is the new heir to the Lord Carshalton fortune. The mystery will follow each couple at the party till the end when the true heir is reveled. This adds interest to each couples stories and its not really a cliffhanger as one knows the mystery is part of the series. Great read, very steamy with lots of fun too. I really enjoyed this series and love all of Merry's books. Be sure to read them in order as each has a clue to who is the heir.
July 6, 2023
Lots of Fun and Adventure.
Patience didn’t want to go to the house party and she was not looking for a husband, she was happy to stay single and be able to be herself, but when she found out there would be a mystery to solve, she was all in!
Arden was a gambler, a rake and full of confidence, he took one look at Patience and was sooooo tempted but she was a straight talking woman and didn’t suffer fools gladly.
Both wanted to solve the mystery of who the heir was and both thought it was each other.
A fun light hearted romantic novella with steamy moments sure to please. I loved the banter between them and how their personalities shone throughout the story.
Looking forward to the rest of the series and the romance between the other guests!
But the question is who is the Mysterious Heir?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Patience didn’t want to go to the house party and she was not looking for a husband, she was happy to stay single and be able to be herself, but when she found out there would be a mystery to solve, she was all in!
Arden was a gambler, a rake and full of confidence, he took one look at Patience and was sooooo tempted but she was a straight talking woman and didn’t suffer fools gladly.
Both wanted to solve the mystery of who the heir was and both thought it was each other.
A fun light hearted romantic novella with steamy moments sure to please. I loved the banter between them and how their personalities shone throughout the story.
Looking forward to the rest of the series and the romance between the other guests!
But the question is who is the Mysterious Heir?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2023
The Wicked Heir by Merry Farmer is a quick and steamy read. It’s the first book in a new series. Each book will have its own happily ever after with an overarching mystery: who is Lord Carshalton’s mysterious heir?
I love a good house party, and the one thrown by Lord and Lady Cambourne promises to be especially interesting. They are said to have invited guests who have some secrets to hide. This book gives us a nice introduction to the cast of characters. In fact, some readers may recognize a few familiar names.
I enjoyed this book. Lady Patience Wycombe is an older heroine who knows her own mind and goes after what she wants. It’s how we get some of the steamiest scenes in the book. Mr. Arden Covington is a reformed rake with a heart of gold. I would have liked an epilogue, but I understand why there isn’t one. I hope the final book in the series will have a substantial one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love a good house party, and the one thrown by Lord and Lady Cambourne promises to be especially interesting. They are said to have invited guests who have some secrets to hide. This book gives us a nice introduction to the cast of characters. In fact, some readers may recognize a few familiar names.
I enjoyed this book. Lady Patience Wycombe is an older heroine who knows her own mind and goes after what she wants. It’s how we get some of the steamiest scenes in the book. Mr. Arden Covington is a reformed rake with a heart of gold. I would have liked an epilogue, but I understand why there isn’t one. I hope the final book in the series will have a substantial one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2023
Garden Party
This is the story of Arden and Patience, who meet at an interesting summer party. All the guest at the party have secrets in their lives that will be uncovered during the summer, while at the same time there is a main mystery to solve. I love a good summer party where all the guest hook up, which I believe will be part of the premise.
The story line was pretty well flushed out in terms of setting the stage for the coming books. Both Arden and Patience characters were well dev, along with various sub characters who will be in coming books.
I will say this.. While there is an HEA, it’s not as expected. Some will be disappointed, however I believe that since the overall story of the summer party will go thru all books…the lines will connect in the end..we will just need to read all the books 📚!!😳😳
This is the story of Arden and Patience, who meet at an interesting summer party. All the guest at the party have secrets in their lives that will be uncovered during the summer, while at the same time there is a main mystery to solve. I love a good summer party where all the guest hook up, which I believe will be part of the premise.
The story line was pretty well flushed out in terms of setting the stage for the coming books. Both Arden and Patience characters were well dev, along with various sub characters who will be in coming books.
I will say this.. While there is an HEA, it’s not as expected. Some will be disappointed, however I believe that since the overall story of the summer party will go thru all books…the lines will connect in the end..we will just need to read all the books 📚!!😳😳
October 21, 2023
Arden and Prudence are my new favorite couple like for real!
They both are under misconceptions each thinking the other is the mystery heir or heiress!
This house party was designed for misfits of the ton that need spouses but not necessarily wanting them!
Prudence mother despaired of her ever finding a mate and does not sound like her mother likes men so that doesn’t help!
Arden had secrets and so hides behind a careless rake and gambler and that is not whom he is!
He and Prudence have an explosive chemistry like fire and gasoline!
There is always one obnoxious guest as in Howard he’s a little sniveler and it will be interesting to see what becomes of him!
Prudence is surprisingly sneaky and her chaperon turns a blind eye to her antics! There is a steamy HEA! Bravo can’t wait for the next one!
They both are under misconceptions each thinking the other is the mystery heir or heiress!
This house party was designed for misfits of the ton that need spouses but not necessarily wanting them!
Prudence mother despaired of her ever finding a mate and does not sound like her mother likes men so that doesn’t help!
Arden had secrets and so hides behind a careless rake and gambler and that is not whom he is!
He and Prudence have an explosive chemistry like fire and gasoline!
There is always one obnoxious guest as in Howard he’s a little sniveler and it will be interesting to see what becomes of him!
Prudence is surprisingly sneaky and her chaperon turns a blind eye to her antics! There is a steamy HEA! Bravo can’t wait for the next one!
July 3, 2023
I am so happy that Merry Farmer has written another Male/Female romance. Yay!
This is the first in a new series and it is just scrumptious.
It has a protesting and not so young lady, Lady Patience, who really is not interested in getting married but whose mother is determined that she will and a sexy rake of a man, Arden, whose reputation goes before him – or does it?
For them this is the perfect scenario in which they can do that which pleases them most but cupid has other ideas and thank goodness for that!
Loved the characters, loved the story and loved the eventual outcome even more.
I read an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) supplied by BookSprout and this has been my voluntary review of it.
This is the first in a new series and it is just scrumptious.
It has a protesting and not so young lady, Lady Patience, who really is not interested in getting married but whose mother is determined that she will and a sexy rake of a man, Arden, whose reputation goes before him – or does it?
For them this is the perfect scenario in which they can do that which pleases them most but cupid has other ideas and thank goodness for that!
Loved the characters, loved the story and loved the eventual outcome even more.
I read an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) supplied by BookSprout and this has been my voluntary review of it.
July 10, 2023
This is a novella with an ongoing storyline to discover a mystery heir but the couple in this book gets it's HEA.
I really like these two, Patience is an unwilling guest who is more interested in the library than spending time with other females and a husband is the least of her dreams. Her sass is funny.
Arden cultivated his persona to support his mother without telling anyone what he is doing.
Because this being a novella there is obviously not that much of character developement or depth but it's a very entertaining book. They fit together, the other characters are interesting enough to make you want to continue reading and yes, you also want to know who the mysterious heir is.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really like these two, Patience is an unwilling guest who is more interested in the library than spending time with other females and a husband is the least of her dreams. Her sass is funny.
Arden cultivated his persona to support his mother without telling anyone what he is doing.
Because this being a novella there is obviously not that much of character developement or depth but it's a very entertaining book. They fit together, the other characters are interesting enough to make you want to continue reading and yes, you also want to know who the mysterious heir is.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2023
Very Steamy Novella
A houseparty with a diverse set of characters, a mysterious heir to uncover, a matchmaking hostess plus “shenanigans”! Arden and Patience seem to have little in common but it was definitely lust at first sight for both of them. Due to this being a novella there wasn’t really the time to see the characters make a deeper connection, hence for me the 4 rather than 5 stars.
Note: I was surprised that Arden (with his past history) made no attempt to protect Patience from an unwanted bundle of joy. Also I cannot see the Marquess (her father) being happy with the match.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A houseparty with a diverse set of characters, a mysterious heir to uncover, a matchmaking hostess plus “shenanigans”! Arden and Patience seem to have little in common but it was definitely lust at first sight for both of them. Due to this being a novella there wasn’t really the time to see the characters make a deeper connection, hence for me the 4 rather than 5 stars.
Note: I was surprised that Arden (with his past history) made no attempt to protect Patience from an unwanted bundle of joy. Also I cannot see the Marquess (her father) being happy with the match.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 25, 2023
Lady Patience Wycombe is sent to the country to spend the summer and find a husband. She has no interest in that, but she'll make the best of the situation. The house party is full of intrigue, with everyone guessing who is the mystery heir to Lord Carshalton fortune. Arden Covington’s reputation was ruined from the moment he was born to his ruined mother. He has always embraced this and made it profitable, but no one knows really what he does with his winnings. He is fascinated with the beautiful Patience and is determined to know more. The book is well paced, sizzling, full of steam, some twists, and drama. Loved the book and can't wait for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2023
Now that was a wild way to kick off the new series. It’s a quick read filled with spice and shenanigans. Arden was the perfect rake: charming and wanton, and hiding a suspiciously soft heart behind all that jaded polish. Patience is the heroine of my dreams. She’s bookish yet not afraid to share her opinion and willing to take a risk or two if the rewards look promising. I thought these two made a fantastic pair. I have my doubts about the historical accuracy, though, but it was just so darned much fun I really don’t give a fig. I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
July 5, 2023
What an interesting and different story line of a bunch of society misfits that are invited to a summer house party. Patience is a girl after my own heart, an introverted reader who becomes a target for a rake, Arden. I loved how Patience is so forthright and vocal about what she feels and that Arden sees her for the jewel she is. There is a little cliffhanger as we will probably have to go through several books to find out the truth. I adored this story! It is captivating, steamy and worth the time!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2023
Merry never fails to blow me away with the twists in her stories. The start of this new series is so amazing. I never saw the twist coming and I have to say that it was so humbling and tear-worthy. Not everything is at it is portrayed. That is all I will say about that. Read and find the caring and patience we know is in us all. Arden and Patience are destined to find each other and fall in love. I wish I could have kept reading more and more of their love story.
I received a complimentary copy.
I received a complimentary copy.
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