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Second Time Brides #2
The Secondhand Earl
What happens when a lady loses her heart to a tortured earl with a damning secret?
Lady Grace Howard and her ailing son have no choice but to move in with her sister Maude and her husband. Although welcome, she is too prideful to remain with them overly long. So when she crosses paths with a cynical war-wounded earl who needs her dowry but loathes the idea of falling in love again as much as she, Grace agrees to a marriage of convenience. Little does she know there is more to the bargain. Something she would not have liked one bit.
While Charles, Lord of Newcastle, needs Grace’s dowry, the business her brother-by-marriage brings to his port is the driving force behind marrying her. It’s something she must not know about, lest her pride land her in the arms of the wrong suitor. Despite preferring honesty, he agrees without understanding how much hiding the truth might cost him. But then, he could not anticipate how fond of each other they would become. How much they would help heal one another’s hearts. Moreover, he could have never foreseen passion—let alone love—igniting between them. Now his secret will likely become a damning truth.
Will Charles and Grace be able to weather the storm when it comes? Or is their marriage doomed to be as superficial as initially intended?
Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!
Second Time Brides
Book 1 - Never Second Guess a Lord
Book 2 - The Secondhand Earl
Book 3 - Second Thoughts About the Heir
Lady Grace Howard and her ailing son have no choice but to move in with her sister Maude and her husband. Although welcome, she is too prideful to remain with them overly long. So when she crosses paths with a cynical war-wounded earl who needs her dowry but loathes the idea of falling in love again as much as she, Grace agrees to a marriage of convenience. Little does she know there is more to the bargain. Something she would not have liked one bit.
While Charles, Lord of Newcastle, needs Grace’s dowry, the business her brother-by-marriage brings to his port is the driving force behind marrying her. It’s something she must not know about, lest her pride land her in the arms of the wrong suitor. Despite preferring honesty, he agrees without understanding how much hiding the truth might cost him. But then, he could not anticipate how fond of each other they would become. How much they would help heal one another’s hearts. Moreover, he could have never foreseen passion—let alone love—igniting between them. Now his secret will likely become a damning truth.
Will Charles and Grace be able to weather the storm when it comes? Or is their marriage doomed to be as superficial as initially intended?
Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!
Second Time Brides
Book 1 - Never Second Guess a Lord
Book 2 - The Secondhand Earl
Book 3 - Second Thoughts About the Heir
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2023
About the author
Sky Purington
144 books382 followersSky Purington is the bestselling author of over ninety novels and novellas. A New Englander born and bred who recently moved to Virginia, Purington married her hero, has an amazing son who inspires her daily, and two ultra-lovable husky shepherd mixes. Passionate for variety, Sky's vivid imagination spans several romance genres, including historical, time travel, paranormal, and fantasy. Expect steamy stories teeming with protective alpha heroes and strong-minded heroines.
Purington loves to hear from readers and can be contacted at Sky@SkyPurington.com. Interested in keeping up with Sky's latest news and releases? Visit Sky’s website, www.SkyPurington.com or sign up for personalized text message alerts. Simply text 'skypurington' (no quotes, one word, all lowercase) to 74121
Purington loves to hear from readers and can be contacted at Sky@SkyPurington.com. Interested in keeping up with Sky's latest news and releases? Visit Sky’s website, www.SkyPurington.com or sign up for personalized text message alerts. Simply text 'skypurington' (no quotes, one word, all lowercase) to 74121
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 20, 2023
The Second Hand Earl is the second book in the Second Time Brides series.
Lady Grace Howard and her ailing son are forced to leave their home after her husband died a year ago. She is still in morning and is moving in with her sister Maude and husband. Maude makes her and Alexander welcome but realizes that she will have no choice but to find another husband, since her deceased husband did not leave her financially secure.
Maude and her husband are matchmakers and have invited several single gentlemen to dinner with the idea Grace will find a love match. Grace agrees to a marriage of convenience and honesty.
Charles, Lord of Newcastle, is also grieving the loss of his wife and unborn child. Not as recent as Grace but has basically sold off all the heirlooms in order to help the people who live in his village. He now needs Grace’s dowry, and the business her brother-by-marriage brings to his port in order to restore his home and business.
Just after Grace and Charles are married a secret is revealed threatening their newly found happiness. Will Charles and Grace be able to reveal the truths about themselves and bridge the gap in their hearts.
This was a wonderful romance between two people who have lost a spouse and find something greater than they hoped for. Grace's family is well intentioned and complete busybodies, but it is with love for Grace. I found her family to be very entertaining.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
Lady Grace Howard and her ailing son are forced to leave their home after her husband died a year ago. She is still in morning and is moving in with her sister Maude and husband. Maude makes her and Alexander welcome but realizes that she will have no choice but to find another husband, since her deceased husband did not leave her financially secure.
Maude and her husband are matchmakers and have invited several single gentlemen to dinner with the idea Grace will find a love match. Grace agrees to a marriage of convenience and honesty.
Charles, Lord of Newcastle, is also grieving the loss of his wife and unborn child. Not as recent as Grace but has basically sold off all the heirlooms in order to help the people who live in his village. He now needs Grace’s dowry, and the business her brother-by-marriage brings to his port in order to restore his home and business.
Just after Grace and Charles are married a secret is revealed threatening their newly found happiness. Will Charles and Grace be able to reveal the truths about themselves and bridge the gap in their hearts.
This was a wonderful romance between two people who have lost a spouse and find something greater than they hoped for. Grace's family is well intentioned and complete busybodies, but it is with love for Grace. I found her family to be very entertaining.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
September 30, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by Dragonblade Publishing via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A tortured, wounded hero and a very pragmatic, down-to-earth heroine go from an engagement/marriage of convenience to a passionate, loving relationship in “The Secondhand Earl”, by Sky Purington (Dragonblade Publishing).
I liked both main characters, mature and experienced; they lost their spouses and have gone through other difficulties. Without knowing or expecting it they’re ready to a new chapter in their lives, one they didn’t expect to be with passion and love.
The fact they agree to embark in a marriage of convenience that turns to a passionate and devoted relationship, involving Grace’s boy, is sweet and endearing.
The honesty between Charles and Grace is also refreshing; even when he’s hiding something from Grace, Charles earnestness is different from the usual male leads behavior. The sense of responsibility and guilt over the secret makes the flaw understandable.
The story addresses mental health issues, related to a deceased spouse and the male lead, who had his share of war horrors and suffers from post-war melancholy.
Main and supporting characters talk a lot, and often proclaim each other or the leads qualities. I felt sometimes this eloquence was exaggerated. It is certainly too much when the subject is the two deceased spouses.
The therapeutic power of sex and love is perhaps overrated.
Some aspects seemed too modern.
I missed being shown how the missing vision impacted Charles everyday life.
A tortured, wounded hero and a very pragmatic, down-to-earth heroine go from an engagement/marriage of convenience to a passionate, loving relationship in “The Secondhand Earl”, by Sky Purington (Dragonblade Publishing).
I liked both main characters, mature and experienced; they lost their spouses and have gone through other difficulties. Without knowing or expecting it they’re ready to a new chapter in their lives, one they didn’t expect to be with passion and love.
The fact they agree to embark in a marriage of convenience that turns to a passionate and devoted relationship, involving Grace’s boy, is sweet and endearing.
The honesty between Charles and Grace is also refreshing; even when he’s hiding something from Grace, Charles earnestness is different from the usual male leads behavior. The sense of responsibility and guilt over the secret makes the flaw understandable.
The story addresses mental health issues, related to a deceased spouse and the male lead, who had his share of war horrors and suffers from post-war melancholy.
Main and supporting characters talk a lot, and often proclaim each other or the leads qualities. I felt sometimes this eloquence was exaggerated. It is certainly too much when the subject is the two deceased spouses.
The therapeutic power of sex and love is perhaps overrated.
Some aspects seemed too modern.
I missed being shown how the missing vision impacted Charles everyday life.
September 24, 2023
Lady Grace Howard and her ailing son are forced to leave their home when her husband dies & they go to live with her sister Maude and her husband. She’s independent & wants her own home, so when she crosses paths with a cynical war-wounded earl who needs her dowry but loathes the idea of falling in love again as much as she, Grace agrees to a marriage of convenience. While Charles, Lord of Newcastle, needs Grace’s dowry, the business her brother-by-marriage brings to his port is the driving force behind marrying her. He keeps this from her.
An interesting & well written romance of a widow & widower finding love a second time. I thoroughly enjoyed how Charles & Grace found their HEA. Of course the secret was bound to be revealed & I loved how they worked through this. I really liked Grace an intelligent, mature woman but I loved Charles who first appeared to be grumpy but he hid a true of gold & he was SO caring. I loved the chemistry between the couple & how friendship turned to love
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
An interesting & well written romance of a widow & widower finding love a second time. I thoroughly enjoyed how Charles & Grace found their HEA. Of course the secret was bound to be revealed & I loved how they worked through this. I really liked Grace an intelligent, mature woman but I loved Charles who first appeared to be grumpy but he hid a true of gold & he was SO caring. I loved the chemistry between the couple & how friendship turned to love
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
November 20, 2023
Lady Grace Howard and Charles, Lord Newcastle and a former Royal Navy Captain, have much in common. Both carry scars from their first marriages. Charles also deals with physical wounds and dark flashbacks from the war. An arranged marriage becomes a love match, until the the honesty between Grace and Charles is broken. Pace is a little slower than what I usually like to read. Maybe too much interference from her family?
Open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
September 17, 2023
First I want to thank Dragonblade Publishing, Sky Purington, and NetGalley for this ARC!! (My first)
I read this as an ebook and couldn’t put it down!
Historical romance, dual POV, marriage of convenience, and single mom!
Grace is witty, smart, mature and knows what she wants and needs when it comes to her second marriage.
Charles is sort of a grumpy sunshine, lost soul since his first wife and child passed away. But one of the most caring MMC I have ever read!
I loved their relationship from start to finish!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️ (the spice that is there is GREAT)
I read this as an ebook and couldn’t put it down!
Historical romance, dual POV, marriage of convenience, and single mom!
Grace is witty, smart, mature and knows what she wants and needs when it comes to her second marriage.
Charles is sort of a grumpy sunshine, lost soul since his first wife and child passed away. But one of the most caring MMC I have ever read!
I loved their relationship from start to finish!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️ (the spice that is there is GREAT)
October 2, 2023
Lady Grace Howard and her asthmatic son have been saddled with debt after the death of her gambler husband. They end up moving north to live with one of her sisters and brother-in-law. Due to her immense pride, Grace realizes she must remarry. What she doesn’t know is the man lucky enough to win her hand will get handsome dowery from her brother-in-law and help with their business.
Charles, the Earl of Newcastle, lost his wife and child during labor. He threw himself into the war and came back even more damaged in body as in spirit. He never wanted to remarry, but his estate was in dire straights due to the neglect his men of business created. He doesn’t want to go into another marriage with any lies between them and is convinced not to tell Grace about everything until after they marry.
As the two get to know each other the month and a half between their meeting and their wedding date, they slowly begin to form a bond that brings friendship and attraction.
While this is the second in this series it can be read as a stand alone. I have no idea how, but this is my first read of Sky Purington. With the number of books she’s written, I have no idea how I missed her. This was a fantastic novel to start with. Grace and Charles both have beautiful yet tragic back stories. They believed they experienced their one love and couldn’t share that with anyone again. Purington brings two unconventional characters together and gives us a love story for the ages. The power a true connection can bring to a relationship is perfectly demonstrated throughout this novel. This novel will definitely go in my re-read pile for me to enjoy over and over again.
If you’d like to start the series with Grace’s sister, Prudence, and her second chance groom, Jacob, the Duke of Argyll, check out Never Second Guess a Lord.
I received The Secondhand Earl for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Charles, the Earl of Newcastle, lost his wife and child during labor. He threw himself into the war and came back even more damaged in body as in spirit. He never wanted to remarry, but his estate was in dire straights due to the neglect his men of business created. He doesn’t want to go into another marriage with any lies between them and is convinced not to tell Grace about everything until after they marry.
As the two get to know each other the month and a half between their meeting and their wedding date, they slowly begin to form a bond that brings friendship and attraction.
While this is the second in this series it can be read as a stand alone. I have no idea how, but this is my first read of Sky Purington. With the number of books she’s written, I have no idea how I missed her. This was a fantastic novel to start with. Grace and Charles both have beautiful yet tragic back stories. They believed they experienced their one love and couldn’t share that with anyone again. Purington brings two unconventional characters together and gives us a love story for the ages. The power a true connection can bring to a relationship is perfectly demonstrated throughout this novel. This novel will definitely go in my re-read pile for me to enjoy over and over again.
If you’d like to start the series with Grace’s sister, Prudence, and her second chance groom, Jacob, the Duke of Argyll, check out Never Second Guess a Lord.
I received The Secondhand Earl for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
April 27, 2024
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.
After her beloved husband died, leaving her and his ill son with gambling debts, Lady Grace Howard's only hope is to travel to her sister's estate in Scotland, and try and find something new. Grace is too proud to rely on charity for too long, but she will not marry unless she can find a husband who will care for her son as much as she does. So when the scarred Earl of Newcastle, who lost his wife and child before heading off to war, arrives to visit his old friends, knowing that he needs investment, and better yet, a wife, to save his estate, it's as if fate has something in store for Grace. Charles is kind, and though he has let his estate go to ruin, he cares for his people, and that's what she needs. However, will she be able to get over the baggage her late husband left her with to allow herself the chance to find love again?
I liked this book so much more than the previous one. The couple had a real connection, and both helped each other recover from their pasts in a safe and sensible way. It wasn't an instalove, but an attraction that formed into a true friendship and real love and affection for each other. Grace had to come to terms with her love for her late husband, while also hating that he gambled away their money, and risked their futures. Her love for Alex was plain for everyone to see, and Charles embodied the perfect stepfather figure in his life. This was a fantastic regency romance.
After her beloved husband died, leaving her and his ill son with gambling debts, Lady Grace Howard's only hope is to travel to her sister's estate in Scotland, and try and find something new. Grace is too proud to rely on charity for too long, but she will not marry unless she can find a husband who will care for her son as much as she does. So when the scarred Earl of Newcastle, who lost his wife and child before heading off to war, arrives to visit his old friends, knowing that he needs investment, and better yet, a wife, to save his estate, it's as if fate has something in store for Grace. Charles is kind, and though he has let his estate go to ruin, he cares for his people, and that's what she needs. However, will she be able to get over the baggage her late husband left her with to allow herself the chance to find love again?
I liked this book so much more than the previous one. The couple had a real connection, and both helped each other recover from their pasts in a safe and sensible way. It wasn't an instalove, but an attraction that formed into a true friendship and real love and affection for each other. Grace had to come to terms with her love for her late husband, while also hating that he gambled away their money, and risked their futures. Her love for Alex was plain for everyone to see, and Charles embodied the perfect stepfather figure in his life. This was a fantastic regency romance.
October 2, 2023
The novel starts off with a cloud of sadness hanging over both the Earl of Newcastle and Lady Grace Howard. They had suffered the loss of their respective spouses and both were riddled with shame and a certain amount of guilt for what they had experienced in the past. Grace is terrified of giving her heart to another man who could destroy any hope she might have for the future and in particular compromise her son's condition. Charles is ashamed of the lingering effects of the war on his psyche and the despair that led to him having to sell off his assets to keep his estate and the people beholden to him from sinking further into poverty. However, together, Charles and Grace have a chance at building a new future, provided they do not keep secrets from each other. The plot kept my attention throughout, even though it was not a fast-paced or particularly dramatic story. However, it was very real and it was one I could relate to. Having found one another and almost losing the relationship that was developing between them through secrets and omissions of the truth, both Charles and Grace find a way back to each other and in the process, their souls are cleansed of the pain of the past. The novel comes to a beautiful and warmhearted conclusion. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
October 3, 2023
3.5 stars
I quite liked this, though towards the end there seemed to be trauma ontop of trauma and a bit of a one up man ship on who had the worst first marriage. It's part of a series and I missed the first one. One of the sisters, who is having trouble conceiving seems to be putting her effort into getting the others happily wed on their second marriage. Each would be wife turns up at their castle and they seem to find her an eligible widower or batchelor. Sounds like the first sister got a duke and this one is heading for an earl? Though I got a bit confused with the names...if you are the earl of newcastle I don;t think you are refered to as Lord Newcastle as well....At one point the arrangement between Grace and Charles is going to be all convenience and platonic and then its full on sex. Charles makes a good step father to Alex, Graces son. Alex suffers from asthma ( I wouldn't have called it Hay Fever) so there's a bit of melodrama with that... Not sure I'll be there for book 3, To be brutally honest I wasn't that keen on Grace
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I quite liked this, though towards the end there seemed to be trauma ontop of trauma and a bit of a one up man ship on who had the worst first marriage. It's part of a series and I missed the first one. One of the sisters, who is having trouble conceiving seems to be putting her effort into getting the others happily wed on their second marriage. Each would be wife turns up at their castle and they seem to find her an eligible widower or batchelor. Sounds like the first sister got a duke and this one is heading for an earl? Though I got a bit confused with the names...if you are the earl of newcastle I don;t think you are refered to as Lord Newcastle as well....At one point the arrangement between Grace and Charles is going to be all convenience and platonic and then its full on sex. Charles makes a good step father to Alex, Graces son. Alex suffers from asthma ( I wouldn't have called it Hay Fever) so there's a bit of melodrama with that... Not sure I'll be there for book 3, To be brutally honest I wasn't that keen on Grace
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2023
Tropes: wounded warrior, marriage of convenience
Steam level: 2-3
Part of a series. Works ok as a standalone if you don't mind the involvement of many secondary characters.
3.75 stars rounded up. The best scenes by far were the romantic/physical scenes between Charles and Grace toward the middle and at the end, and Charles's relationship with Grace's son. Charles is a well fleshed-out MMC who is dealing as best he can with the mental and physical scars of war, and the author captures this well.
Caveats: the beginning of the book is rather talky and there are times the banter and ruminations are repetitive and wordy. I also felt that Grace was too judgmental when the Big Secret came out and got tired of her
comparing Charles to her late husband, when they had nothing in common. Didn't see why it took so many other characters to talk sense into her.
The main reason why this isn't 4 stars is that the ending is super rushed, with no epilogue. Pages of the book could have easily been trimmed down from the first half in order for the HEA to be fully fleshed out.
Overall: despite this book's flaws, it's heartfelt overall.
Steam level: 2-3
Part of a series. Works ok as a standalone if you don't mind the involvement of many secondary characters.
3.75 stars rounded up. The best scenes by far were the romantic/physical scenes between Charles and Grace toward the middle and at the end, and Charles's relationship with Grace's son. Charles is a well fleshed-out MMC who is dealing as best he can with the mental and physical scars of war, and the author captures this well.
Caveats: the beginning of the book is rather talky and there are times the banter and ruminations are repetitive and wordy. I also felt that Grace was too judgmental when the Big Secret came out and got tired of her
comparing Charles to her late husband, when they had nothing in common. Didn't see why it took so many other characters to talk sense into her.
The main reason why this isn't 4 stars is that the ending is super rushed, with no epilogue. Pages of the book could have easily been trimmed down from the first half in order for the HEA to be fully fleshed out.
Overall: despite this book's flaws, it's heartfelt overall.
September 17, 2023
Deals, Secrets, Friendship to Romance:
From the beginning I really liked this heartfelt story that has the couple becoming friends to finding true love.
My favorite was Charles who has physical and emotional scars to overcome, if possible? Grace has a few issues of her own to conquer along with being a mother to Alexander.
The delightful way Charles makes friends with Alexander is so caring and beautiful.
This is a lovely family story which reunites Grace with her charming sisters and their spouses from the previous book. This is a romance story after all, so we know there has to be some kind of big fall out between Charles and Grace.
Yes, that dispute threw a wrench in the story for me with Graces unforgiving attitude that she carried way too long in my opinion. Of course, love conquers all and we have a wonderful epilogue that has a huge HEA ending.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
From the beginning I really liked this heartfelt story that has the couple becoming friends to finding true love.
My favorite was Charles who has physical and emotional scars to overcome, if possible? Grace has a few issues of her own to conquer along with being a mother to Alexander.
The delightful way Charles makes friends with Alexander is so caring and beautiful.
This is a lovely family story which reunites Grace with her charming sisters and their spouses from the previous book. This is a romance story after all, so we know there has to be some kind of big fall out between Charles and Grace.
Yes, that dispute threw a wrench in the story for me with Graces unforgiving attitude that she carried way too long in my opinion. Of course, love conquers all and we have a wonderful epilogue that has a huge HEA ending.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
October 25, 2023
This is the second installment of the series, Second Time Brides. Grace is a widow with an ailing son, and not having many options, she goes to live with her sister. Although her sister is most welcoming, Grace doesn't plan on staying long, wishing to be on her own. When she meets Charles, who has lost his wife and unborn child, she agrees to a marriage of convenience with him. Both of them have no desire to find love again. Charles is in need of Grace's dowry to restore his home and business and Grace no longer wants to be dependent on her sister. Once they marry, they begin to find happiness with each other, but that happiness is threatened by secrets they are keeping.
A very lovely addition to the series. A charming story about two people who have lost their loves and learn to open themselves up to love again.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
A very lovely addition to the series. A charming story about two people who have lost their loves and learn to open themselves up to love again.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
September 30, 2023
This was an inspirational story of two grieving people who managed to reinvent themselves. Although their marriage was supposed to be purely for convenience, Charles and Grace were fooling themselves when they believed that they could stick to friendship only. Both had loved their previous spouses and had unresolved emotional issues that needed to be dealt with.
There were many good characters in this book. Grace's sisters and Charles' friends are featured prominently and I'm looking forward to reading their stories in the future. I also enjoyed Grace's son Alexander. The relationship between Alexander his new father "Captain Charles" was delightful. Although there were a few sad moments, this book was overall quite uplifting.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
There were many good characters in this book. Grace's sisters and Charles' friends are featured prominently and I'm looking forward to reading their stories in the future. I also enjoyed Grace's son Alexander. The relationship between Alexander his new father "Captain Charles" was delightful. Although there were a few sad moments, this book was overall quite uplifting.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
October 1, 2023
This story grabbed my attention from the first page until the very end. In fact, I wish the story was a little longer and I knew more of the continued Grace and Charles love story.
Grace and Charles were both dealing with the trauma of the death of their spouses, and some other issues as well. I so enjoyed how Sky Purington had these characters interact and develop trust into their friendship which grew into love. Grace and Charles truly complimented each other.
The four servants that loved and supported Grace and Charles throughout show that everyone "needs a village of support" in their life.
The attention Charles gave Alexander was amazing, and then to read of all the letters Charles wrote to Alexander showed what an amazing person Charles was.
A truly wonderful story! I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Grace and Charles were both dealing with the trauma of the death of their spouses, and some other issues as well. I so enjoyed how Sky Purington had these characters interact and develop trust into their friendship which grew into love. Grace and Charles truly complimented each other.
The four servants that loved and supported Grace and Charles throughout show that everyone "needs a village of support" in their life.
The attention Charles gave Alexander was amazing, and then to read of all the letters Charles wrote to Alexander showed what an amazing person Charles was.
A truly wonderful story! I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
October 18, 2023
4.5 STARS
Moving story of two people needing to marry but for different reasons. I loved the H and the demons he fought from war. As his part of the story unravels you realize only a few people knew what he went through in his marriage and the aftermath.
The h was just okay for me. She didn't see the whole picture when her family explained to her their part in the secret. She punished the H when he didn't deserve it. Her son, added a lot to the story and it was touching to see how he reacted to the H.
Lovemaking within marriage, heat level 3 out of 5.
No villains in the story, some turmoil, little on romance, HEA, no cheating and no cliffhanger. This is a standalone story with likable secondary characters too.
I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)
Moving story of two people needing to marry but for different reasons. I loved the H and the demons he fought from war. As his part of the story unravels you realize only a few people knew what he went through in his marriage and the aftermath.
The h was just okay for me. She didn't see the whole picture when her family explained to her their part in the secret. She punished the H when he didn't deserve it. Her son, added a lot to the story and it was touching to see how he reacted to the H.
Lovemaking within marriage, heat level 3 out of 5.
No villains in the story, some turmoil, little on romance, HEA, no cheating and no cliffhanger. This is a standalone story with likable secondary characters too.
I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)
September 17, 2023
This book was so much more than I expected. Grace and Charles had such a hard time finding their happy ever after. Grace feared committing and trusting due to her previous marriage and Charles had war wounds along with the heartache left by losing his wife. Their start of a friendship before marriage was the sweetest, but the passion they brought when together was on fire.
This book moved right along through their progress and even her sisters made an appearance which I enjoyed. This was a great book and has me looking forward to Abigail's story. I received this book from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for an honest review.
This book moved right along through their progress and even her sisters made an appearance which I enjoyed. This was a great book and has me looking forward to Abigail's story. I received this book from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for an honest review.
October 2, 2023
Lady Grace and Charles starts off their convenient relationship with the match of wit and words. The story is one of a book that is a lovely read. I found the character very convincing to the entertainment of the love story. Dear sister Maude rooted for the relationship for Charles and Grace to prosper while the two saw no reason to get to know one another. This is a good read to have curled up to on the couch. The writing is great from the creativity of the story to the passionate romance that takes two souls by surprise. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2023
A widow with a huge heart for loving and a wounded war hero widower, what a beautiful story. Charles hides his pain behind an impenetrable wall of stone. Yet Grace has her own wall behind which unconditional love exists. This is the second of a series on second chance and it is beautifully written. The characters are real and the author has the talent to draw you into their pain and struggles. Love Maude as she is a force to be reconned with and so loves her sisters that she will do anything for their happiness.
September 30, 2023
great story
Another great read by Ms Purington. The story of Charles and Grace kept me turning the pages till I was finished! Although, I thought Grace was a bit of a baby when she found out about Charles business with Blake. Leaving for 4 months was a little much. I still loved it and she made up for it at the end. Although, I love epilogues this story wrapped it right up, literally to the end! I didn’t care too much for that. So many more stories in there. In spite of that still a good love story!
Another great read by Ms Purington. The story of Charles and Grace kept me turning the pages till I was finished! Although, I thought Grace was a bit of a baby when she found out about Charles business with Blake. Leaving for 4 months was a little much. I still loved it and she made up for it at the end. Although, I love epilogues this story wrapped it right up, literally to the end! I didn’t care too much for that. So many more stories in there. In spite of that still a good love story!
October 5, 2023
A widow with a huge heart for loving and a wounded war hero widower, what a beautiful story. Charles hides his pain behind an impenetrable wall of stone. Yet Grace has her own wall behind which unconditional love exists. This is the second of a series on second chance and it is beautifully written. The characters are real and the author has the talent to draw you into their pain and struggles. Love Maude as she is a force to be re conned with and so loves her sisters that she will do anything for their happiness.
January 21, 2024
I give this 4.5 . I love stories with kids where the kids are actively involved.
I would have given this 5 except for the slightly annoying writing style of the author.
Having read two books now, it is a bit boring to have the character think something first and then say it out loud in as many words to another character.
Also there is one specific instance where the scene repeats itself. A little more editorial input is needed.
ps: this is also one of the rare stories where I feel the H need not have been made to feel so bad for keeping a secret.
I would have given this 5 except for the slightly annoying writing style of the author.
Having read two books now, it is a bit boring to have the character think something first and then say it out loud in as many words to another character.
Also there is one specific instance where the scene repeats itself. A little more editorial input is needed.
ps: this is also one of the rare stories where I feel the H need not have been made to feel so bad for keeping a secret.
September 22, 2023
Lord of Newcastle, and Lady Grace Howard bother of their deceased spouses have imbedded distrust. But knowing what they know now will help them to next step.
This book was slow and steady. I actúa enjoyed the pace it wasn't so slow that I lost interest. It was a break from the suspense novels I had been reading. It was relaxing and wonderful read.
I have given my honest review for a complimentary copy.
This book was slow and steady. I actúa enjoyed the pace it wasn't so slow that I lost interest. It was a break from the suspense novels I had been reading. It was relaxing and wonderful read.
I have given my honest review for a complimentary copy.
September 27, 2023
Omg!
This was the loveliest story I have read in a long time. I love Charles and Grace and of course Alexander. This series is so well written and edited! I can't wait to read Abby's story! I love stories where the H/h are honest with their feelings and don't continually doubt everything!
This was the loveliest story I have read in a long time. I love Charles and Grace and of course Alexander. This series is so well written and edited! I can't wait to read Abby's story! I love stories where the H/h are honest with their feelings and don't continually doubt everything!
November 13, 2023
Such a cozy read! I like reading historical romance but I like it the most to read characters with sequels of the war. They seem more genuine to me because that struggle is real... I mean the struggle with money is real to, but the one this type of characters have with themselves in their heads feels more personal Please keep writing like this. I would love to read more from you... soon!
October 10, 2023
Perfect!
Wonderful as always. Just !I've this author and her stories. Romance sadness happiness and castles. What more could you want.
Wonderful as always. Just !I've this author and her stories. Romance sadness happiness and castles. What more could you want.
December 14, 2024
Captivating
When reading Sky's books, they are so good it's hard to put them down. You always say just one more chapter.
When reading Sky's books, they are so good it's hard to put them down. You always say just one more chapter.
September 14, 2024
I am divided by this book a bit. There are parts that I really liked and some that I disliked.
Charles, the hero, is amazing despite his moodiness caused by a tough loss of his mentally ill wife and the war where he was seriously injured. His character is strong. He is motivated to push himself to recovery and make a better man of himself. His love for Grace and Alexander and even his first wife comes through. And he is a war hero who fought bravely and valiantly. He makes mistakes, accepts it, and writes beautiful amazing letters to Grace to win her back.
Grace is a great mother and is emotionally scarred by her first marriage. It is hard for her to trust.
Circumstances lead her to marry Charles for convenience, and she starts feeling like she could make a life with him. But then there has to be some wrench thrown in, right? So the couple separates, and this is where I felt Grace was very, very unforgiving and held herself on a pedestal. She was so uncompromising that I started to dislike her character.
I feel her "unforgiveness" could have been edited a bit to make her more likable.
However, this is a great short read, so I would recommend
Charles, the hero, is amazing despite his moodiness caused by a tough loss of his mentally ill wife and the war where he was seriously injured. His character is strong. He is motivated to push himself to recovery and make a better man of himself. His love for Grace and Alexander and even his first wife comes through. And he is a war hero who fought bravely and valiantly. He makes mistakes, accepts it, and writes beautiful amazing letters to Grace to win her back.
Grace is a great mother and is emotionally scarred by her first marriage. It is hard for her to trust.
Circumstances lead her to marry Charles for convenience, and she starts feeling like she could make a life with him. But then there has to be some wrench thrown in, right? So the couple separates, and this is where I felt Grace was very, very unforgiving and held herself on a pedestal. She was so uncompromising that I started to dislike her character.
I feel her "unforgiveness" could have been edited a bit to make her more likable.
However, this is a great short read, so I would recommend
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