Without Saying A Word

by Amanda Ward

After being in love with his older neighbor Laura since they met a year ago, Rhean Tate, Viscount Kirkleigh seizes his chance to make her his, when her past reappears threatening her and her children’s safety. This thirty-four year old male virgin, whisks her into marriage vowing to protect and cherish Laura and her family, with his name and noble family connections.

Will Laura feel overwhelmed by Rhean and run away. Her abusive marriage left her with scars on the inside as well as on the outside. Will she allow her barriers to crumble and be the woman and wife she desires?

159 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 28, 2012

About the author

'What You See Is What You Get' would be the best way to describe Amanda. Born in Bexleyheath, England 1971, she is a wife and mother of seven children ranging in ages from her 24 year old daughter down to a spirited power ranger mad 6 year old son. Life in her house is manic. There is always unpredictablity and a disaster waiting round the next corner. There is however, plenty of love and laughter in the home Amanda shares with her wonderful comedic husband Matt and 3 youngest children in Bedfordshire, England. In between school runs, housework and talking to her two cats, Amanda divides her time between writing, dreaming and watching her favourite films and television shows. An unashamed addict of Little House on the Prairie, The Waltons, Gilmore Girls, Anne of Green Gables and Doris Day musicals, as well as sharing her husband's love of Science Fiction and superhero films.
Amanda is also passionate about history and her bookshelves are lined with books on the Royal Families of Europe and thick historical tomes. Her love of romance novels began when she was snooping in her grandmother's spare room where she found a Janet Dailey novel, from there her dream of becoming a published author began. Her perfect afternoon would be spent watching a musical, drinking a pot of tea and munching on warm home-made cakes with her family. Wife, mother,grandmother dreamer and lover. Jill of all trades, master of none!

Reviews

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It involves a few difficult and unpleasant issues such as domestic violence and betrayal but the main theme of this book I believe is the love of a man of high morals and values for an older, damaged women.

I thought Rhean was a beautiful man who held love and the giving of ones self (he's a 36 yr old virgin) in high regard. He is a strong, caring and some what domineering man who loves Laura so completely that he will do anything it takes to protect her and her 3 children from the ugly past that resurfaces to threaten them out of jealousy and hate.

Laura has always seen Rhean as her best friend but it isn't until her past comes back to haunt her that she realizes just how safe and loved Rhean makes her feel.

This was a good read and a really nice love story.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a fair bit of contemporary romance, but I have to say this story was a real surprise to me. Not that the hero was a virgin, and the heroine a slightly older divorcee with children - but the fact that the sweetness of the story caught me up in it and I finished it really quickly.

Rhean the hero is titled, but a hardworking and well liked headteacher at a local school, and Laura is the heroine who juggles her tragic past with rebuilding her future with her three children. I liked them both very much, and the abuse in Laura's past was dealt with sensitively and I thought it an important subject to cover even in the world of fiction. I enjoyed Rhean's rough and tumble aristocratic family too. The relationships between all the main characters were very well done and engaging I think.

The drama of the story was of course dealing with Laura's past which had come to rear its head in a rather surprising way. Rhean's nurturing of her as well as his obvious love for her and the children is a lovely thing and not at all saccharine. It was a satisfying read.

What I really liked was the splicing of historical and contemporary fiction, with references to Rhean's family house, the history of the title and a Regency romance in the past was a nice touch (maybe something to revisit for a historical?) though with the detail used in describing the portrait and costume/jewels made me crave more authentic period detail and dating.

I did feel that even though Rhean's feelings for Laura were of a long duration their love affair and engagement felt a touch rushed even with danger mixed in, and although their first night together was dealt with well not all the sensual scenes worked as well. I understand this may be as they were added later.

I really enjoyed this mainly sweet romance in an authentic English setting and it is a lovely escapist read.

[Gmc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without Saying A Word by Amanda Ward
198 pages eBook my free copy is in PDF format

This is a contemporary romance that also deals with serious woman's issues, abusive, unfaithful husband, sibling rivalry, post-postpartum depression, child custody, visitation, telephone harassment, stalking, remarriage, trust. Edgy and mostly very believable, except for the 34 year old male virgin.

Laura comes home to find her husband in bed with her sister, then he nearly beats her to death. He goes to prison, she gets a divorce and moves to a new town. Her kids are in school and she's rebuilding her lift then the threatening phone calls start. Her next door neighbor Rhean Tate, Viscount Kirkleigh seizes his chance to make her his, when her past reappears threatening her and her children’s safety. Can she get past the pain of her past to find a future with Rhean?

[LLona Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since this is my first British Romance reading experience, I don't have a lot to compare it with, but I did enjoy the story and the characters. The outcome was more predictable than I care for, but that's the point of a good Romance, isn't it! I suspect it will be a very pleasing read for anyone who enjoys the Romance Genre.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, but could have done without the explicit scenes. They weren't necessary to the story.

[Mohanjeet Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is very short - which makes it a worthwhile read. More details at: https://reading.realhappinesscenter.c...

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great heartwarming story. It contained just enough suspense and mystery to balance out all the other elements. The characters, while appearing to live a charmed live felt real. The one draw back I felt to this was the teenagers...No real teenagers are that easy! ;)